Monteleone 2020 Etna Rosso Qubba 750mL

The Cuba contrada is named for the byzantine era Church adjacent the vineyard. It's fitting to have such history overlooking these 90 year old vines. The name of the wine, Qubba, is due to a quirk of global trade. The US government kept holding up Monteleone's shipments to their US importer because they thought it might be contraband from the country of Cuba. 

A single vineyard field blend of 90% Nerello Mascalese and 10% Nerello Cappuccio, this is a traditional Etna Rosso with soft tannins, juicy blackberries and perfectly balanced oak. The smoky, volcanic basalt flavour is a bit more present in the '20 than the '21 but that may just be due to the extra 12 months of age allowing it to emerge. Salty, steely palate. Yum.

From the northern slopes of Etna, within the Castiglione di Sicilia town-limits, 500m above sea level. Classic Etna volcanic soil, with 5% clay from the nearby Alcantara river.  

Harvested by hand in the early morning to maximise freshness of the fruit. Ageing is in French oak tonneaux for 16 months, followed by 2 months in concrete, and a final 6 months in bottle before release.

If you have a meat smoker at home, open one of these next time you get it out.