Selmo 2021 Nuzzella

SELMO 2021 – Etna Rosso DOC

Overview

Selmo 2021 is a Sicilian red wine that embodies the essence of Nerello Mascalese grown on the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. The vines, with an average age of 30 years, impart concentration and structure to the wine. Part of the grapes remain whole-cluster, with a 20-day skin maceration, while aging in French oak tonneaux and stainless steel ensures balance and elegance. With a limited production of 4,000 bottles, Selmo reflects the artisanal care and the unique Etna terroir.

Wine History

Selmo was created by Nicola Oteri to highlight Etna’s native grape varieties, particularly Nerello Mascalese. Nuzzella winery has long worked to revive old vineyards and produce authentic wines that tell the story of the territory. Hand harvesting and organic vineyard management ensure that each bunch arrives in the cellar perfectly healthy and ripe.

Vineyard Philosophy

The Selmo vineyards are cultivated according to organic viticulture principles, without synthetic chemicals. All vineyard operations, from pruning to harvesting, are manual, with careful attention to biodiversity and volcanic soil health. This approach ensures grapes of high quality, rich in minerality and natural freshness.

Winemaking Approach

In the cellar, a portion of the grapes is kept whole-cluster to enhance aroma and complexity. Skin maceration lasts about 20 days, followed by partial aging in French oak tonneaux for 18 months and in stainless steel for the remainder. No fining or filtration is applied, preserving the wine’s authentic character and natural expression.

Tasting Notes & Pairings

The wine shows a deep ruby-red color. On the nose, it offers ripe red fruits, sweet spices, and mineral notes typical of volcanic soils. On the palate, it is structured, elegant, and persistent, with soft, well-integrated tannins. Pairs perfectly with red meats, roasts, aged cheeses, and flavorful Mediterranean dishes.

Technical Sheet

• Denomination: Etna Rosso DOC

• Variety: 100% Nerello Mascalese

• Vineyard: 30 years, volcanic soil

• Viticulture: Organic

• Harvest: Manual

• Vinification: Part whole-cluster, 20-day skin maceration

• Aging: French oak tonneaux 18 months / stainless steel

• Fining: No

• Filtration: No

• SO2 Added: None indicated

• Production: 4,000 bottles

Nuzzella – Winery in Piedimonte Etneo

History of the Winery

Nuzzella was founded in 2014 from the dream of Nicola Oteri and his deep passion for the Etna region. Located in Contrada Selmo, Piedimonte Etneo, on the northeast slope of the volcano, the winery began by restoring existing vineyards on 1.6 hectares, planting Nerello Mascalese, Carricante, and Catarratto. The first harvest, in 2015, produced only 2,000 bottles of traditional method sparkling Nerello, marking the start of a path focused on quality and terroir expression. Over time, the winery expanded and now produces about 15,000 bottles annually across six different labels.

Vineyard Philosophy

The vineyards at Nuzzella are trained with a vertical trellis system and cultivated following organic farming principles, without herbicides or synthetic chemicals, except for copper and sulfur when strictly necessary. Work in the vineyard is manual and continuous throughout the year, with careful attention to preserving soil balance and biodiversity. The winery emphasizes native grape varieties, maintaining the genetic integrity of traditional cultivars and a strong connection to the territory.

Approach in the Cellar

Fermentation in the cellar is spontaneous and uncontrolled, respecting the natural development of native yeasts. Every wine aims to faithfully convey the character of the Etna territory, from the white soils of sedimentary rocks eroded by torrents to the black volcanic soils created by lava flows. The result is an authentic expression of local varieties, combining the mineral strength of the volcano with the aromatic complexity of the indigenous grapes.

Unique Terroir

Nuzzella’s terroir is defined by the fusion of two soil types: white, sedimentary soils and black, volcanic soils. This, combined with a climate alternating between mountain and Mediterranean influences depending on the season, gives the wines an extraordinary profile, elegant and mineral, capable of telling the story of the Etna region in every glass.

Vision and Mission

The mission of Nuzzella is to produce natural wines that express the true essence of the Etna territory while respecting nature and local traditions. Each bottle tells the story of the soil, climate, and native grape varieties, offering the consumer a unique and authentic experience where viticulture passion and winemaking art merge in perfect balance.