In the glass
Aroma: dark cherry, rose, volcanic mineral, tobacco
Palate: cherry-plum, iron mineral, dried herbs, firm tannin
Ripa di Moraci is Cavanera's prestige Etna Rosso from the Verzella contrada: a firm-structured, mineral Nerello showcasing the quality achievable at the Firriato Etna estate.
What it pairs with
-
Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with Sicilian herbs
Firm tannins and mineral depth frame the herb-infused slow-cooked lamb. -
Wild mushroom pasta with Parmigiano
Volcanic earthiness and iron-mineral notes create a satisfying earthy dialogue. -
Grilled Sicilian beef tagliata
The wine's firm structure and mineral power are a good match for grilled beef.
How to serve Firriato Cavanera Ripa di Moraci
Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
- Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with Sicilian herbs, Wild mushroom pasta with Parmigiano, Grilled Sicilian beef tagliata. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Ripa di Moraci (meaning 'bank of the mulberry trees') is named for a distinctive feature of the Cavanera estate landscape on the north slope. Introduced in 2012 as the estate's prestige Etna Rosso, it draws on the oldest Nerello vines in the Verzella contrada.
- 2012 — First Ripa di Moraci vintage; Cavanera's prestige Etna Rosso tier established
Facts
- Producer
- Firriato Cavanera Etnea
- Grapes
- Nerello Mascalese (90%), Nerello Cappuccio (10%)
- Classification
- Etna Rosso DOC
- Oak
- 18 months in large Slavonian oak botti
- ABV
- 13.5%
- Price
- €35-55 at retail
- Drinking window
- 4-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2012
Frequently asked about Firriato Cavanera Ripa di Moraci
What does Firriato Cavanera Ripa di Moraci taste like?
On the nose, dark cherry, rose, volcanic mineral, tobacco. On the palate, cherry-plum, iron mineral, dried herbs, firm tannin. Structurally medium-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a long, mineral finish. Ripa di Moraci is Cavanera's prestige Etna Rosso from the Verzella contrada: a firm-structured, mineral Nerello showcasing the quality achievable at the Firriato Etna estate.
When should I drink Firriato Cavanera Ripa di Moraci?
Drink 4-15 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Firriato Cavanera Ripa di Moraci?
Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with Sicilian herbs is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Wild mushroom pasta with Parmigiano and Grilled Sicilian beef tagliata. Firm tannins and mineral depth frame the herb-infused slow-cooked lamb.
What grapes are in Firriato Cavanera Ripa di Moraci?
The blend is Nerello Mascalese (90%), Nerello Cappuccio (10%). The wine is classified as Etna Rosso DOC.