Bummaru Nerello Mascalese, Rallo - Sicily

€22,50

95% Nerello Mascalese with Natives Grapes. Bummaru is a lighter example of Nerello Mascalese. A ripe, juicy red from the sun-drenched Italian island of Sicily. Packed with ripe black cherry fruit and hints of pepper, this supple wine is unoaked and has deliciously refreshing acidity

Bummaru is a collaboration between Les Caves de Pyrène and Cantine Rallo. Grapes are sourced from the famous Contrada Santa Feudo di Mezzo, in Etna, a historic, biodynamically managed vineyard, co-planted but mainly comprising old vines Nerello Mascalese. Mix of bush vines and trained vines. Vineyards on an altitude around 570m A.S.L, volcanic terraces but with diverse soils (sandy + stoney), vines vary in aged but many are between 70-80 years-old according to the plot. The grapes hand harvested, 30% kept whole-bunch the rest are destemmed. Short 10-day maceration with 3-4 punch-downs. Grapes co-ferment with indigenous yeasts, they are aged in 500L casks. No filtration, no fining and a tiny 2mg/L sulphur added prior to bottling.

Cantine Rallo have been involved in the production of wine since 1860, with the founder of the cellars originally producing Marsala wine. The Vesco family took over the business in the late 1990s and have since revolutionised the viticultural practices and invested heavily in cutting edge technology for the winery and bottling line. At Cantine Rallo the aim is to innovate but still to uphold and respect local tradition and heritage.