In the glass
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. -
Venison with juniper and dried fruits
Complex, gamey mineral character pairs with the resinous spice of venison preparation. -
Black truffle whole roasted chicken
Iron notes and volcanic earthiness harmonise with truffle aromatics and rich roasted chicken.
How to serve Girolamo Russo 'A Rina
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. 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.
- 2008 — First 'A Rina vintage; Russo's prestige single-vineyard expression established
Facts
- Producer
- Girolamo Russo
- 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.