Aetneus 2019 Custodi delle Vigne dell’Etna

Etna Rosso Aetneus 2019 – I Custodi delle Vigne dell’Etna

Vineyard philosophy

Aetneus 2019 comes from ancient vineyards carefully tended by I Custodi delle Vigne dell’Etna, true guardians of an extraordinary volcanic terroir and traditional Etnean farming practices. The vines grow on the north side of Mount Etna, between 600 and 1,000 meters above sea level, trained as Alberello Etneo with chestnut stakes and a high planting density exceeding 7,000 vines per hectare. Harvesting is manual and selective, with organic farming that respects nature’s balance and local biodiversity.

Winery approach

In the cellar, Aetneus is crafted in full Etnean tradition, with spontaneous fermentation and long ageing to reveal the essence of Nerello Mascalese and its companion grapes. The hand-harvested grapes ferment with native yeasts in steel vats and age for 24 months in used tonneaux, followed by further bottle ageing. The result is a red wine that fully expresses Etna’s unique mineral soul.

Deep ruby red, the nose shows complex aromas of ripe red fruits, spices and Etnean herbs, while the palate is silky, structured and long-lasting with a pure volcanic character.

Technical Sheet

• Appellation: Etna DOC Rosso

• Vintage: 2019

• Grapes: 80% Nerello Mascalese, 20% Nerello Cappuccio and Alicante

• Alcohol: 14%

• Format: 0.75 L

• Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation in steel, 24 months ageing in used tonneaux, bottle ageing follows

• Harvest period: Second half of October

• Production style: Organic farming, native yeasts, minimal intervention

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I Custodi delle Vigne dell’Etna

Winery Profile

I Custodi delle Vigne dell’Etna was founded to safeguard and pass on the heroic viticulture of Mount Etna, working with a unique and fragile volcanic landscape. The winery tends historic bush-trained vines, often ungrafted and over a century old, growing at 600 to 1,200 meters altitude on the slopes of Europe’s highest active volcano.

Their philosophy is handcrafted and natural: manual cultivation, traditional chestnut poles, spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, and classic vinification in old palmenti. Each wine reflects the specific slope, contrada, and vintage, always produced in small quantities.

I Custodi embody sustainable mountain viticulture, preserving Etna’s rural heritage through authentic, artisan wines.