Tracotanza Plus 2020 Etnella

Etnella Tracotanza 2020 Etna Rosso – Elegance and power from ancient Etna vineyards

The Plus version of Tracotanza comes from an almost century-old, pre-phylloxera vineyard plot located between Solicchiata and Verzella, two of the most prestigious areas on the northern slope of Mount Etna. This Etna Rosso is a blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, grown on volcanic, mineral-rich soils. Etnella winery follows an artisanal winemaking approach with spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks and a 15-day maceration on the skins, followed by 12 months aging in used oak barrels, highlighting the elegance and majesty of these old vines.

Winemaking approach

Spontaneous fermentation occurs without forced temperature control, preserving aromatic integrity. The long maceration allows gentle extraction of tannins and color. Aging in used oak barrels provides structure without overpowering woody aromas, maintaining a pure and terroir-driven style.

Tasting notes

Color
Ruby red with garnet reflections, bright and deep.

Nose
Complex and enveloping, with aromas of ripe red berries, Mediterranean herbs, volcanic earth, sweet spices, and subtle balsamic hints.

Palate
Elegant and powerful, with fine, well-integrated tannins, vibrant acidity supporting a full body, and a long, mineral finish typical of volcanic soils.

Food pairing suggestions

Ideal with roasted red meats, game, mushroom dishes, and semi-aged cheeses. Also pairs well with flavorful Mediterranean cuisine.

Technical sheet

🟣 Name: Etnella Tracotanza 2020 Etna Rosso
🍇 Producer: Etnella
🌍 Region: Northern Etna – Sicily, Italy
🍷 Grapes: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio (blend from pre-phylloxera own-rooted vineyard)
🪨 Vineyards: Century-old plot between Solicchiata and Verzella, volcanic mineral soils
🍇 Agriculture: Artisanal, inspired by organic practices
🕰️ Vinification: Spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel tanks, 15 days maceration
🛢️ Aging: 12 months in used oak barrels
🧪 Alcohol content: approx. 13.5% vol
🌡️ Serving temperature: 16–18°C
🍽️ Pairings: Roasts, game, mushrooms, 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.