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Contrada Santo Spirito, the soul of the northern side of Etna
What are the distinctive traits of Contrada Santo Spirito, where Palmento Costanzo cultivates vineyards near the estate?
Mt. Etna’s geological history is crossed by lava. The volcano marked its slopes with long strips of land called sciare, dark rocks that cooled down from the hot magma. This is the origin of soils that – lava flow after lava flow – have been enriched with particular minerals, resulting in a specific expression for each area. This is how the «Contradas» of Etna – officially defined winemaking areas that reveal the different souls of the volcano and that can be indicated on the label – come to life: a proof of the boundless geological richness that A’ Muntagna bestows to the wines produced here.
What are the distinctive traits of Contrada Santo Spirito, where Palmento Costanzo cultivates vineyards near the estate?
CONTRADA SANTO SPIRITO, THE SOUL OF THE NORTHERN SIDE OF ETNA
Deeply marked by the lava flow that, in 1879, redesigned the area’s landscape, Contrada Santo Spirito is Palmento Costanzo’s prime cru, an exemplary vineyard that is home to the estate’s ancient rows. It represents the most authentic soul of the volcano’s Northern side and is mainly cultivated with Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccino, Carricante and Catarratto. The wines produced are distinguished by utmost elegance, excellent fruit and superb structure, featuring remarkable minerality and a surprising longevity. The vine rows, trained with the alberello technique using chestnut wood poles, yield the selection of grapes that produce the winery’s most iconic labels: Contrada Santo Spirito Etna Rosso and Contrada Santo Spirito Etna Bianco.
Contrada Santo Spirito Etna Doc Rosso
Bright ruby red with a rich and elegant bouquet of red fruits, cherries as well as hints of spices and flint. The enveloping mouthfeel unveils distinct and well-integrated tannins as well as a pleasantly mineral finish. The 2017 vintage scored 90 points from James Suckling and 17 points from Jancis Robinson.
>> Contrada Santo Spirito Etna Doc Rosso
Contrada Santo Spirito Etna Doc Bianco
The wine reveals an elegant and complex bouquet, featuring citrus hints predominated by white fruit and mineral notes. The persistent mouth unveils a pleasing acidity as well as pleasantly sapid finish.