Vino di Anna JEUDI 15 Rosso 2023

VINO DI ANNA JEUDI 15 ROSSO 2023

PHILOSOPHY

Vino di Anna is the project of Anna Martens and Eric Narioo on the northern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. Their philosophy centres on organic viticulture and a restrained approach in the cellar, with spontaneous fermentations and winemaking designed to preserve the expression of the vineyards and the volcanic landscape. Their wines stand out for their freshness, energy and the distinctive minerality of grapes grown at high altitude.

Jeudi 15 Rosso is one of the project's most expressive and approachable wines: a juicy, fruit-driven and spicy red that combines the character of local grape varieties with the personality of volcanic soils.

WINEMAKING AND VINTAGE

The 2023 vintage was particularly challenging for Vino di Anna. A severe outbreak of downy mildew during flowering and fruit set drastically reduced the Nerello Mascalese crop. The oldest vines, rooted in deep, sandy volcanic soils, proved more resilient, as did the Nerello Cappuccio and Grenache vines. These surviving grapes made it possible to produce a small quantity of Jeudi 15 Rosso.

The grapes came from organically farmed vineyards with vines aged between 70 and 80 years and were hand-harvested during the last week of September. Approximately 80% of the bunches were hand-destemmed, while the remainder were added as whole clusters. Fermentation took place spontaneously with indigenous yeasts and without temperature control. During the 10–12 days of maceration, the cap was worked daily by foot, hand or wooden tools.

After pressing, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation and remained on fine lees in two large, used 20-hectolitre oak casks. The blend was assembled in February 2024, and the wine was bottled at the end of April without fining or filtration.

VINEYARDS AND GRAPE VARIETIES

The grapes come from organically farmed vineyards in the contrade of MonteLaguardia, Allegracore and Crasa, on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. These are old bush-vine plots shaped by high altitude, volcanic soils and climatic conditions that help preserve freshness and aromatic expression.

The 2023 blend combines Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Grenache. The proportions vary between published sources, so no exact percentages are stated here. The result is a red wine that prioritises fruit, vibrancy and balance over excessive extraction or weight.

TASTING NOTES

The wine displays an attractive crimson-red colour. The nose reveals red cherry and strawberry, accompanied by blood orange and white flowers. The palate is flavoursome and expressive, with clear red-fruit character, subtle spice and ripe, juicy, well-integrated tannins. A mineral undertone adds depth and reflects its volcanic origins.

Compared with the more structured 2022 vintage, the 2023 offers a fruitier, fresher and more immediate expression while retaining the distinctive character of Etna.

FOOD PAIRING

A natural match for quality cured meats, roasted white meats, poultry, tomato-based pasta dishes, grilled vegetables and medium-aged cheeses. Its freshness and juicy tannins also make it enjoyable served slightly chilled, particularly alongside Mediterranean dishes and relaxed, informal meals.

TECHNICAL SHEET

Producer: Vino di Anna

Wine: Jeudi 15 Rosso

Vintage: 2023

Country: Italy

Region: Sicily

Appellation/Area: Etna

Viticulture: Organic

Grape varieties: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Grenache

Harvest: Hand-picked

Fermentation: Spontaneous, with indigenous yeasts

Maceration: 10–12 days

Ageing: On fine lees in large, used oak casks

Fining and filtration: Neither fined nor filtered

Bottling: April 2024

Contains sulphites