In the glass
Aroma: wild cherry, rose hip, volcanic mineral, iron
Palate: sour cherry, blood orange, saline mineral, fine tannins
San Lorenzo is the most immediately accessible of the Russo single-contrada range: fragrant, iron-streaked, with vibrant sour cherry and a saline volcanic freshness that makes it the most drinkable Russo Etna Rosso in its youth.
What it pairs with
-
Grilled tuna with capers and olives
The wine's bright acidity and iron notes pair beautifully with meaty tuna. -
Pasta alla norma
Classic north-Sicilian pairing; the wine's fruit and light body match perfectly. -
Sicilian charcuterie platter
Iron and cherry brightness complement cured Sicilian meats.
How to serve Girolamo Russo San Lorenzo
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 tuna with capers and olives, Pasta alla norma, Sicilian charcuterie platter. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Giuseppe Russo took over his father Girolamo's old Nerello vines in 2005 and launched single-contrada bottlings beginning with the 2007 vintage. San Lorenzo, named for the contrada at approximately 650 metres, is the most approachable of the range, bottled without fining or filtration.
- 2007 — First San Lorenzo vintage alongside the inaugural Russo contrada series
Facts
- Producer
- Girolamo Russo
- Grapes
- Nerello Mascalese
- Classification
- Etna Rosso DOC
- Oak
- 18 months in large Slavonian oak botti (20-30 hl)
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- €45-70 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-18 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2007
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Frequently asked about Girolamo Russo San Lorenzo
What does Girolamo Russo San Lorenzo taste like?
On the nose, wild cherry, rose hip, volcanic mineral, iron. On the palate, sour cherry, blood orange, saline mineral, fine tannins. Structurally medium-bodied, medium tannins, high acidity with a long, iron-tinged, refreshing finish. San Lorenzo is the most immediately accessible of the Russo single-contrada range: fragrant, iron-streaked, with vibrant sour cherry and a saline volcanic freshness that makes it the most drinkable Russo Etna Rosso in its youth.
When should I drink Girolamo Russo San Lorenzo?
Drink 5-18 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 San Lorenzo?
Grilled tuna with capers and olives is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Pasta alla norma and Sicilian charcuterie platter. The wine's bright acidity and iron notes pair beautifully with meaty tuna.
What grapes are in Girolamo Russo San Lorenzo?
The blend is Nerello Mascalese. The wine is classified as Etna Rosso DOC.