Quota 1000 Barbabecchi
From an old ungrafted Nerello Mascalese vineyard, located at 1,000 meters on the north-east side of Etna, in the Contrada Barbabecchi.
Appellation: Terre Siciliane IGT, Contrada Barbabecchi
Type: Dry red
Varietal: Nerello Mascalese 100% — indigenous to the Etna
Certified Organic
Color: Purple-red.
Bouquet: Red cherry, ripe plum, raspberry, currants, rhubarb, wild herbs, licorice and a hint of ginger, coffee and pepper.
Taste: The first sip offers a full body and firm tannins with lovely red-fruit flavors. The wine has a well-developed structure with a lively freshness, finesse, and a very long finish.
Alcohol: 14%.
Serving Suggestions: 18-20 °C (64-68º F). This wine is incredible in a “New-World Pinot” glass.
Food Pairings: Game dishes, risotto, grilled and fried meat, grilled vegetable dishes, terrines, and most aged cheeses.
Production Area: Contrada Barbabecchi.
Farming: Dry farmed, certified organic..
Elevation 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) a.s.l.
Density: 6,000-10,000 vines/ha.
Soil type: Black, volcanic sand.
Yield per ha: 10 quintali.
Harvest: First week of November.
Fermentation: Traditional without added yeasts, temperature allowed to fluctuate in conical steel vats called "tini," maceration of the skins for 25 days.
Aging: 24 months in oak casks with spontaneous development of malolatic fermentation. 12 months in bottle before release.
2010 Etna Rosso Quota 1000 – 92 Points – Robert Parker Wine Advocate (#212 May 2014)
"The 2010 Quota 1000 Contrada Barbabecchi takes you immediately to the heart of Etna winemaking tradition. From north-facing vineyards at a whopping 1000 meters above sea level, this is an austere, tightly wound and nervous wine that needs more time in the bottle to soften. Tight tannic astringency makes a big impact in the mouth. The bouquet, however, is extremely floral with pressed violets and crushed rose petal. A dusting of crushed white pepper makes for a lasting impression on the finish. This wine needs at least three or four more years of bottle aging. It's really just in its infancy now." ~ M.L.
