At a glance

Producer

Tenuta del Vento

Region

Etna, Sicily, Italy

Grape variety

Nerello Mascalese

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$25 - $40

Tasting profile

Red cherry, wild strawberry, hints of earth, volcanic minerality, subtle spice

Evolution: Fruit will deepen with leather, tobacco, and forest floor notes emerging with age

At peak: Complex balance of ripe fruit, mineral complexity, and refined tannins with an elegant finish

Structure

Acidity

Medium to high, typical for Etna Nerello Mascalese

Tannins

Medium to firm

Alcohol

Approximately 13.5%

Aging potential

8-12 years from vintage; 2018 vintage is solid and balanced for medium-term aging

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2030

Optimal window

2023 to 2030

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

Wine is expressive with fresh red fruit and earthy minerality; tannins have softened but retain structure for continued aging.

This 2018 vintage Nerello Mascalese benefits from the cooler Etna climate and volcanic soils, providing good acidity and tannin structure. It is youthful now but will develop tertiary characteristics over the next 5-10 years improving complexity and smoothness.

Food pairing

Grilled lamb, roasted mushrooms, aged pecorino cheese, dishes with herbs like rosemary and thyme, and rustic Italian cuisine

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — Allows moderate tannins and minerality to open and soften, enhancing aromatic complexity

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Use of dry-farming techniques minimizing water use; cover crops employed to maintain soil health; solar-powered estate to reduce energy consumption; natural yeast fermentations with minimal intervention

Tenuta del Vento emphasizes sustainable viticulture common in Etna region with natural vineyard management, minimal chemical treatments, and use of renewable energy on estate. Packaging uses lightweight bottles to reduce transport emissions. While not certified organic, practices align with growing sustainability norms in Sicilian estates.