Sparviero IGP Terre Siciliane Cuveè 2020/2021 - Tenuta rustica

Sparviero IGP Terre Siciliane - Tenuta rustica 

Tenuta Rustica’s "Lo Sparviero" is a pure Nerello Mascalese that embodies the authentic soul of Mount Etna’s northern slope. It originates in the heart of the stunning Alcàntara Valley, from vines over fifty years old perched at an altitude of 600 meters in the evocative Contrada Rustìca, within the municipality of Roccella Valdemone. This artisanal project upholds a family tradition that began with the first harvest in 1972 and continues today through a bespoke, highly limited production of just 2,000 bottles per year. In the cellar, the winemaking philosophy prioritizes the utmost respect for the raw material: following gentle destemming and soft pressing of the clusters, spontaneous fermentation takes place, driven exclusively by indigenous yeasts. Skin maceration lasts approximately ten days, involving four or five manual punch-downs daily to extract aromas and color with refined elegance. The wine then matures for 12 months in fiberglass—an ideal choice for preserving the fruit's freshness and the terroir's pure identity without the influence of wood—before completing its journey with bottle aging in Burgundy-style bottles. To preserve its natural character, Lo Sparviero undergoes no filtration, relying instead solely on natural settling. In the glass, it displays an intense, deeply saturated ruby-red hue. The nose offers an enveloping, complex bouquet, where fresh notes of small red forest fruits alternate with refined, warm spicy nuances. On the palate, it reveals a wine of great structure—warm and smooth—surprising the taster with a perfect balance between fresh acidity and polished tannins, leading to a pleasantly persistent finish. To best appreciate every aromatic nuance, it is recommended to uncork the bottle and let the wine breathe for a few minutes before serving it at an ideal temperature of 16–18°C.

Service

It is recommended to serve it at a temperature of 16/18° in tulip glass. Wine to drink immediately but if left a few years in the cellar can give great emotions.

Pairings

At the table, it finds its finest expression when paired with fresh pasta dishes featuring rich meat sauces or with aged and semi-aged cheeses; it also reflects Sicilian tradition by beautifully complementing salt cod dishes and sautéed wild greens.

Winery: Tenuta Rustica

Tenuta Rustìca, an estate owned by the Fisauli di Casalgiordano family since the 16th century, lies in the heart of the Alcantara Valley on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, at an altitude of 600 meters. It is a place where history, nature, and tradition have coexisted for centuries, giving rise to products that embody the authentic soul of Sicily. In the 1970s, Giuseppe and Antonio Fisauli di Casalgiordano undertook a massive land reclamation and restoration project, skillfully reshaping a vast area of ​​the estate. Thanks to this effort, the landscape regained its natural balance while preserving a deep bond with a land that has always inspired respect, passion, and dedication. Today, they cultivate every hectare using environmentally friendly farming practices that honor biodiversity and the rhythms of nature. Peaches, pears, and apricots grow in the orchards, while Nocellara dell'Etna olive trees yield an extra virgin olive oil with an intense, authentic character. Their wines are born from vineyards tended with care and patience: ancient Nerello Mascalese vines—over fifty years old—and a young Grecanico Dorato vineyard produce artisanal wines that elegantly express the volcanic terroir of Mount Etna. Dominating the estate is the striking Rocca Pizzicata—also known as the "Stone Lion"—which keeps watch over the historic villa built in 1667. Nestled within a forest of oak and Turkey oak trees, this extraordinary rock formation harbors precious archaeological remnants—an ancient altar, rock-hewn wine presses, and a cave—that tell the story of an agricultural heritage spanning millennia and deeply rooted in this land. Every Tenuta Rustìca product is the result of a blend of centuries-old history, a unique environment, and a commitment to preserving a legacy of traditions passed down through generations. Bringing their wines, our oil, and the fruits of our land to your table means savoring the most authentic essence of Mount Etna.