2017 Chiuse Vidalba

The Story

The Etna DOC production area is an exceptional place for viticulture. This area is distinguished by some unique features which, when combined, generate a complex microclimate: a loose and fertile volcanic soil, at high altitude characterized by an important daily thermal excursion. A unique place that stands out for its special bond with the typical vines of the area: Nerello Mascalese, the main vine of the slopes of the volcano for the reds, and the Carricante for the whites. Torre Mora has 15 hectares of vineyards located 380 meters above sea level, which enjoy a favorable exposure that, combined with the lava nature of the land, give extremely distinctive, mineral and spicy characteristics to the wines.

The Chiuse, Italian for Clos, range is the finest and truest expression of our Etna cru known as Contrade. The dry-lava-stone walls, part of the Unesco World Heritage, define the ancient borders of our vineyards.

Winemaking

The age of the vines varies between 12 and 15 years. Due to the steep land on which the vineyards are located, the training systems are spurred cordon in the small flat areas and the sapling on the terraces. The soil, purely volcanic, characterized by an acidic pH, is very fertile. Despite the shallow depth (30-40 cm deep before reaching the basalt layer), the soil is extraordinarily mineral and rich in traces and microelements brought by volcanic eruptions.

The wine comes from 25-year-old vines, these grapes are the last to be harvested, marking the end of the harvest. The 2017 vintage was hot, and the grapes reached perfect ripeness in an excellent phytosanitary state. The wine ages for 18 months in a mixture of barrels and 500L tonneaux.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby red with purple hues. Rich fruity bouquet, mulberry, strawberry jam, carob, while cedar and cacao define the excellent oak nuances. The palate delivers coffee and blueberries aromas with a soft and velvety attack, which develops into an elegant silky tannic frame, supported by aniseed, Mediterranean herbs and balsamic nuances. The finish is long and spicy.