Federico Curtaz Pukkaria Etna Rosso 2020

Federico Curtaz Pukkaria Etna Rosso 2020

Federico Curtaz
$111.00

Grape: Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese
Vintage: 2020
Type: Red

This volcanic red wine is a traditional estate blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio from the Feudo di Mezzo contrada on Mount Etna. Winemaker Federico Curtaz utilizes low-intervention viticulture to handle the fruit, which grows on dark, sandy basalt soils at high altitude. Spontaneous fermentation relies entirely on native vineyard yeasts in traditional concrete tanks, prioritizing a gentle infusion process over heavy extraction. The wine matures naturally in neutral French oak casks to allow the structural components to settle.

It pours a translucent ruby color, opening with expressive aromas of dark cherry, wild raspberry, and fresh peony blossoms. A medium-bodied frame is juicy and precise, balancing concentrated red fruit with a fine-grained tannin structure. Savory notes of black pepper, woodsmoke, and a hint of leather add depth across the fluid mouthfeel. A clean line of volcanic acidity cuts through the texture, maintaining great freshness. It finishes bone-dry.

Federico Curtaz is a distinguished winemaker known for crafting elegant, terroir-driven wines from Sicily, primarily on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. Although he has roots in Piedmont, having worked as an agronomist for Angelo Gaja for 15 years, he eventually fell in love with Sicily's unique volcanic terroir. Adopting a minimal intervention approach, Curtaz focuses on allowing the volcanic fruit and terroir to express themselves with clarity and elegance. He applies his vast experience from the meticulous Gaja vineyards to the unique environment of Etna. Curtaz's wines are highly regarded for their precision, minerality, and ability to reflect the unique character of Sicily's diverse terroir.