Girolamo Russo 'a Rina Etna Rosso 2017
Full-bodied to medium-bodied red wine. Stylistically, it is bone dry with high acidity and mineral tension, following a traditional-meets-modern 'Burgundian' philosophy of minimal intervention and site expression. · Girolamo Russo. Founded in 2005 by Giuseppe Russo in memory of his father, this estate is widely regarded as a top-tier boutique producer of Mount Etna. Giuseppe, a former pianist, is known for his soulful, terroir-driven winemaking and organic viticulture, earning a reputation for elegance and precision that rivals fine Burgundy.
Vintage: 2017. A hot and dry year across much of Italy, but Etna's high altitude and volcanic soils helped maintain freshness. The vintage resulted in wines with great concentration and intensity, appearing slightly more muscular than cooler years like 2014 or 2016.
Type
Full-bodied to medium-bodied red wine. Stylistically, it is bone dry with high acidity and mineral tension, following a traditional-meets-modern 'Burgundian' philosophy of minimal intervention and site expression.
Producer
Girolamo Russo. Founded in 2005 by Giuseppe Russo in memory of his father, this estate is widely regarded as a top-tier boutique producer of Mount Etna. Giuseppe, a former pianist, is known for his soulful, terroir-driven winemaking and organic viticulture, earning a reputation for elegance and precision that rivals fine Burgundy.
Country
Italy. As one of the world's most ancient and diverse wine-producing nations, Italy offers a vast array of indigenous grapes. Sicily has transitioned from bulk production to a focus on premium, volcanic-terroir wines over the last two decades.
Vintage
2017. A hot and dry year across much of Italy, but Etna's high altitude and volcanic soils helped maintain freshness. The vintage resulted in wines with great concentration and intensity, appearing slightly more muscular than cooler years like 2014 or 2016.
Region & Appellation
Sicily, Etna Rosso DOC. This appellation covers the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano. It is characterized by high altitudes and unique volcanic soils, producing some of Italy's most mineral-driven and sophisticated red wines.
Grape Varieties
Predominantly Nerello Mascalese (approx. 95%), with a small percentage of Nerello Cappuccio (approx. 5%). Nerello Mascalese provides the structure, acidity, and aromatic complexity (reminiscent of Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo), while Nerello Cappuccio adds color and softer fruit notes.
Color & Appearance
Medium ruby with garnet reflections and a slightly translucent rim. Clear and brilliant, with moderate viscosity. The lighter hue is typical of Nerello Mascalese and indicates a wine driven by aromatics and acidity rather than extract.
Aroma Profile
Intense and complex. Primary notes of wild strawberry, pomegranate, and red cherry. Secondary notes include dried rose petals and Mediterranean scrub (macchia). Tertiary notes feature volcanic ash, flint, smoke, tobacco leaf, and a hint of iron.
Tasting Notes
The palate is vibrant and energetic, led by savory red fruit and a distinct salinity. The mid-palate shows tension between ripe fruit and stony minerality. The finish is long and dry, dominated by earthy, volcanic undertones and a lingering floral spice.
Flavor Profile
Sour cherry, raspberry, and blood orange rind. These are layered over non-fruit flavors of crushed rock, black pepper, leather, and wild thyme. The flavor evolution moves from bright acidity at the start to a savory, umami-rich finish.
Body & Texture
Medium-bodied with a lean, athletic texture. It lacks heavy weight but possesses great concentration. The mouthfeel is energetic and focused, with a certain 'silky-yet-grippy' quality characteristic of volcanic lava soils.
Acidity & Tannins
High, mouth-watering acidity that provides lift and longevity. Tannins are firm, fine-grained, and chalky—reminiscent of Nebbiolo. They are present but well-integrated, promising great aging potential.
Sweetness Level
Bone dry. Minimal residual sugar (usually <1 g/L), with the fruit perception driven by ripeness and high acidity rather than sugar.
Alcohol Content
Approximately 14% to 14.5% ABV. While higher than some Burgundies, the alcohol is well-balanced by the wine's intense acidity and mineral backbone, preventing it from feeling 'hot'.
Aging & Oak
Aged for approximately 12 months in a combination of used French oak barriques and larger tonneaux (500L), followed by several months in concrete and bottle. The use of older oak ensures the delicate floral and mineral notes aren't masked by vanilla or wood spice.
Food Pairings
Pairs excellently with roasted lamb with herbs, eggplant parmigiana, wild mushroom risotto, or pasta with sardines (a Sicilian classic). It also handles game birds and medium-aged sheep's milk cheeses (Pecorino) beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 16-18°C (60-64°F) in a large Burgundy-style glass to allow the aromatics to bloom. Decanting for 30-60 minutes is recommended to soften the firm 2017 tannins.
Price Range
$35.00 - $45.00 USD. It represents the 'entry-level' label of the estate but offers premium quality that outperforms many wines at double the price.
Quality Assessment
91-93 points. It is a super-premium wine that serves as one of the best 'introductions' to the Etna region. It is consistently praised for its balance and sense of place.
Production Methods
Hand-harvested from several vineyard plots (contrade). Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in stainless steel and used oak, with an emphasis on gentle extraction to preserve the delicate aromatics of the Nerello grapes.
Terroir
Volcanic soil (ash, sand, and basalt) from the north side of Mount Etna. High altitude (650-800m) provides a wide diurnal temperature range, preserving acidity and developing complex precursors in the grapes. Old vines (some up to 60-100 years old) contribute to the wine's depth.
History & Heritage
Though the Russo family had grown grapes for generations, 'a Rina (Giuseppe’s father’s nickname) was one of the first labels to help put Etna on the map of fine wine collectors in the early 2000s, alongside the 'Etna Boys' movement.
Interesting Facts
The winemaker, Giuseppe Russo, holds a degree in Italian Literature and was a trained classical pianist before returning to his family estate. The label art features a minimalist sketch of the volcano and the vineyard rows, reflecting the producer's humble, art-focused approach.
Cellaring Potential
Excellent. While drinking well now due to the warmth of the 2017 vintage, it will continue to evolve gracefully until 2027-2032, developing more leather, truffle, and savory dried flower notes over time.
Similar Wines
Barolo (Nebbiolo) from Serralunga d'Alba for the tannic structure; Gevrey-Chambertin (Pinot Noir) for the earthy elegance; or other Etna producers like Tenuta delle Terre Nere and Passopisciaro.