2022 Girolamo Russo " A Rina" Etna Rosso, Sicily, Italy

ABOUT THIS WINE

Crafted primarily from Nerello Mascalese (with a touch of Nerello Cappuccio), ’A Rina is the flagship red from Girolamo Russo, drawing fruit from several small parcels on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, including San Lorenzo, Feudo, and Calderara Sottana. Vines average 60–100 years of age, grown at elevations between 650–780 meters on mineral-rich, decomposed lava soils.

Farming is certified organic, with careful attention to biodiversity and minimal intervention. Fermentation is done with native yeasts in stainless steel, followed by aging in large neutral oak barrels for about 12–15 months. The resulting wine expresses its high-altitude volcanic origins with clarity and precision—showcasing vibrant fruit, iron-tinged minerality, and savory complexity.

A Rina pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, mushroom risotto, and Sicilian-style tuna. It’s a versatile red that bridges the freshness of a Pinot Noir with the structure of a Nebbiolo, making it a standout choice for lovers of terroir-driven wines.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Girolamo Russo is a boutique winery founded in 2005 by Giuseppe Russo, a former classical pianist who returned to his family’s ancestral land to revive its winemaking heritage. Named in honor of his father Girolamo, the estate spans about 26 hectares—15 of which are under vine—near the town of Passopisciaro on the northern slope of Mount Etna.

The winery is known for its low-intervention, organic viticulture, small-batch production, and deep respect for the region’s unique volcanic terroir. Russo emphasizes site-specific expression in each of his cru bottlings, while ’A Rina represents a broader, yet no less expressive, introduction to Etna Rosso. His wines are celebrated for their aromatic purity, lift, and elegance—qualities that have placed Girolamo Russo among the most respected names in Etna’s modern renaissance.