L'Ottava Isola - Etna Rosso D.O.C. - Tenuta di Castellaro

Tenuta di Castellaro was established in 2005 and presents a pure expression of the volcanic territory of Aeolian Islands, magical and uncontaminated places. The Island of Lipari can boast ancient traditions in the field of viticulture. The soil and climate conditions of island allow a viticulture and agriculture that are very respectful of nature, creating favourable conditions for organic cultivation. The temperate and very windy climate is subject to the influence of the sea, which plays an important mitigating action and increases the degree of atmospheric humidity, present massively on the Piana di Castellaro, where a strong temperature range between day and night dominates. The soils of volcanic origin are very fertile because they are rich in mineral elements.

Respect for nature, man and tradition are the cornerstones of the philosophy that Tenuta di Castellaro has embraced since the start, through the enhancement of human resources, integration with the territory, use of natural resources, the landscape enrichment and the maximum consideration for history and culture of the place. All aspects of the wine production are executed according to the rules for organic farming.

The Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio vines for the L'Ottava Isola red wine grow in the volcanic soil at an altitude of 700 m. on the northern slopes of Etna near Passopisciaro. A very special terroir with large temperature changes throughout the day and very fertile and rich soil.

The grapes were harvested and sorted manually. This was followed the pressing of whole and de-stemmed grapes. Vinification process in stainless steel tanks without temperature control, long maceration with the grapeskins. The wine was transferred to barrels to allow for malolactic fermentation. After about eight months in the barrels the wine was bottled an left to mature for another 12 months in the bottles.

Colour: Deep ruby red

Bouquet: Red fruit and underbrush aromas with dried flowers and hints of tobacco and liquorice.

Taste: Great balance between the important volcanic structure and the varieties and vinification elegance. Nicely tannic and very persistent.