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Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninfirm
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Oaklarge or old casks

Drinking window

Best 8 to 25 years from vintage.

vintage8 yrs25 yrs27 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating above is our own.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedFirm tanninHigh acidityDryVery Long, Iron-Mineral, Austere finish

Aroma: black cherry, iron, incense, volcanic ash

Palate: dark fruit, graphite, iron mineral, dried herbs

The prestige Russo single-vineyard: 'A Rina (dialect for 'la rena' - the sand) from some of the deepest sandy volcanic soils on the north slope, producing the most austere and age-demanding wine in the portfolio.

What it pairs with

  • Grilled bistecca with bone marrow butter The wine's austere iron-mineral power demands the richest, most indulgent beef preparation.More wines for steak →
  • Venison with juniper and dried fruits Complex, gamey mineral character pairs with the resinous spice of venison preparation.More wines for venison →
  • Black truffle whole roasted chicken Iron notes and volcanic earthiness harmonise with truffle aromatics and rich roasted chicken.More wines for chicken and white meat →

With cheese

Maiorchino Our pick Maiorchino is delicate for a pecorino when young and turns piquant, ageing from about 8 months to as long as 24. Etna Rosso crus bring firm tannin, high acidity and dark cherry depth, the structure for an old, sharp wheel.

How to serve Girolamo Russo 'A Rina

Allow 65 minutes from open to pour.

  1. Open and decant. Open 60 minutes before serving and pour into a decanter to aerate.
  2. Serve at 14-16°C. Cellar temperature (14-16°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
  3. Glassware. Use a Burgundy bowl with a wide opening: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
  4. Pair with. Grilled bistecca with bone marrow butter, Venison with juniper and dried fruits, Black truffle whole roasted chicken. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.

History

'A Rina is from the deepest sandy volcanic soils on the Russo estate, a parcel distinguished by its unusually fine-grained substrate that intensifies mineral expression. First bottled from the 2008 vintage after Giuseppe Russo identified the exceptional character of the sandy-soil fruit, it became the estate's top cuvee almost immediately.

  1. 2008First 'A Rina vintage; Russo's prestige single-vineyard expression established

Facts

Producer
Girolamo Russo · visiting guide
Grapes
Nerello Mascalese
Classification
Etna Rosso DOC
Oak
18 months in large Slavonian oak botti
ABV
13.5%
Price
€60-95 at retail
Drinking window
8-25 from vintage
First vintage
2008
Organic
ORGANIC CERTIFIED

Frequently asked about Girolamo Russo 'A Rina

What does Girolamo Russo 'A Rina taste like?

On the nose, black cherry, iron, incense, volcanic ash. On the palate, dark fruit, graphite, iron mineral, dried herbs. Structurally medium-bodied, firm tannins, high acidity with a very long, iron-mineral, austere finish. The prestige Russo single-vineyard: 'A Rina (dialect for 'la rena' - the sand) from some of the deepest sandy volcanic soils on the north slope, producing the most austere and age-demanding wine in the portfolio.

When should I drink Girolamo Russo 'A Rina?

Drink 8-25 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.

What food pairs with Girolamo Russo 'A Rina?

Grilled bistecca with bone marrow butter is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Venison with juniper and dried fruits and Black truffle whole roasted chicken. The wine's austere iron-mineral power demands the richest, most indulgent beef preparation.

What grapes are in Girolamo Russo 'A Rina?

The blend is Nerello Mascalese. The wine is classified as Etna Rosso DOC.

Tags

cellar worthy cult wine dry firm tannin high acid iconic medium body mood bold mood contemplative nerello mascalese occasion cellar occasion gift occasion special old vines old world organic pairs with game pairs with red meat pairs with truffles price premium single vineyard still red

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