Tracotanza Plus 2022 Etnella

Etnella Tracotanza 2022 Etna Rosso – Depth and volcanic tension from historic ungrafted vineyards

Tracotanza 2022 is one of the most authentic expressions of Etnella, made from a selection of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grapes grown on a nearly century-old, ungrafted, pre-phylloxera vineyard between Solicchiata and Verzella, on the northern slope of Mount Etna. A vintage marked by excellent day-night temperature variation and a balanced harvest, yielding a red wine that is taut, vertical, and deep, with saline energy and remarkable finesse.

Winemaking approach

The winemaking reflects Etnella’s artisanal and non-interventionist philosophy: spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts in stainless steel, 15-day skin maceration, and 12 months of aging in neutral oak barrels. The goal is to preserve the purity of the terroir without aromatic masking or forced filtration.

Tasting notes

Color
Transparent ruby red with evolving garnet highlights.

Nose
Elegant and evolving: pomegranate, cherry, iron, wild herbs, and volcanic ash on the nose, followed by sweet spices and hints of incense.

Palate
Sapid and slender, with fine tannins and bright acidity driving the sip toward a long, mineral and slightly ferrous finish. A pure and vibrant take on Etna’s Nerello.

Food pairings

Perfect with mushroom-based dishes, light red meats, spiced soups, and aged cheeses. Also great with creative plant-based cuisine or ancient Sicilian grain recipes.

Tech sheet

🟣 Name: Etnella Tracotanza 2022 Etna Rosso
🍇 Producer: Etnella
🌍 Region: Solicchiata & Verzella, Northern Etna – Sicily, Italy
🍷 Grapes: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio (pre-phylloxera, ungrafted vines)
🪨 Vineyards: Old vines on sandy volcanic soils
🍇 Farming: Artisanal, with organic and biodynamic principles
🕰️ Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation in steel, 15-day maceration
🛢️ Aging: 12 months in old oak barrels
🧪 Alcohol: ~13% vol
🌡️ Serving temperature: 16–18°C
🍽️ Pairings: Mushrooms, light red meats, spiced soups, ancient grains, semi-aged cheeses

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Etnella – Winery on Mount Etna

An artisanal project among the volcanic vineyards of Sicily

Etnella is a small independent winery located on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, among the historic districts of Passopisciaro, Randazzo and Castiglione di Sicilia. Founded as a project of life and land, the winery is a true expression of Etnean viticulture, with a radically artisanal approach and limited production, focused on high-altitude bush-trained vineyards.

Terroir and vineyards

The vineyards range from 600 to 1,000 meters above sea level, growing on black volcanic soils rich in minerals, which give the wines tension and character. Many parcels are centenarian and pre-phylloxera, cultivated organically with manual work and great attention to biodiversity. Each district is vinified separately to preserve its unique micro-terroir expression.

Winemaking philosophy

Etnella’s guiding principle is to let the wine reflect the mountain and its energy. No pesticides or chemical herbicides are used—only natural treatments like sulfur and copper. In the cellar, spontaneous fermentations with native yeasts, manual punch-downs, and long aging in neutral oak or concrete vats are favored. The result is a pure, vibrant, non-interventionist style that speaks clearly of vintage and place.

Vinification and style

Grapes are harvested by hand, with careful bunch selection. Fermentations take place in open wooden vats without forced temperature control. Macerations are gentle and respectful of the fruit. Aging lasts 12–18 months in neutral oak or inert vessels, with no fining or filtration. The wines are mineral, tense, deeply rooted in the territory, and built to age.

Limited production and recognition

Etnella produces only a few thousand bottles per year, each numbered and linked to a specific vineyard or district. The wines have gained attention from connoisseurs and professionals across Europe, appearing in guides and magazines such as Slow Wine, Vinum and The Wine Advocate. Distribution is selective, with presence in fine-dining restaurants and independent wine shops.

Signature wines

• Nerello Mascalese “Notti Stellate”: a refined, volcanic red with notes of cherry, ash, mountain herbs and light spice.

• Etna Bianco “Kaos”: a Carricante–Catarratto blend from old vines, citrusy and saline, with hints of almond and flint.

Visits and tastings

Visits to Etnella are by appointment only and offer an intimate, authentic experience. Guests are guided through the vineyards and cellar before tasting the wines, discovering the essence of Etna through the winemaker’s voice—between nature, lava and tradition.