Eduardo Torres Pirrera 2022

Eduardo Torres Acosta is a young oenologist from the Canary Islands who moved to Sicily and now rents plots near Mount Etna, in the island's north east, to make his own wines under the IGT Terre Siciliane label. Pirrera is built mainly on Nerello Mascalese, the great red grape of Etna, rounded out by native varieties including Nerello Cappuccio, Minella Nera and Minella Bianca. The vineyards sit on the volcano's slopes, where black volcanic ash and lava soils, high altitude and cool nights give a long growing season. That combination keeps alcohol moderate and acidity high, and lends the wine a smoky, mineral character that recalls fine Nebbiolo. Farming is biodynamic and the cellar work natural, with native yeast fermentation. The wine is aged 16 months in large foudres, so the oak imparts little flavour but allows slow oxygen exchange to soften the texture while keeping the fruit fresh. It is pale, bright ruby, with a nose of red cherry, raspberry and dried rose over smoky, earthy and peppery notes. The palate is medium bodied and savoury, with red fruit, fine, chalky tannin, vivid acidity and a long, mineral finish. Serve at 16 to 17 degrees. It suits game, roast meat and mushroom dishes.