1 1
Brand Logo

Tenute Moganazzi - Don Michele Etna DOC Rosso

Tenute Moganazzi - Don Michele Etna DOC Rosso

$48.00 USD
$48.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Quantity Price Discount

A volcanic red with unmistakable Sicilian character. Don Michele Etna Rosso is a refined and expressive wine made from Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grapes grown on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, it reveals intense notes of cherry, red flowers, wild herbs, and spices. Elegant and balanced, it pairs beautifully with red meats, game, and aged cheeses.

 Grape Variety

Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. Nerello Mascalese is a highly regarded, dark-skinned grape variety that grows most commonly on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. Its wines, which have had a rapid upsurge in popularity in the last decade, have a tendency to reflect their surroundings, giving taut, fresh red wines with fruity, herbaceous flavors, excellent minerality and an earthy nuance. Nerello Mascalese wines often have a perfume reminiscent of those of the noble wines of Barolo and Burgundy.
Vintage

2021 and 2022
Alcohol

12.5%

Vineyards

Moganazzi, Passopisciaro, Castiglione di Sicilia. Northeast side of Mt. Etna. Soil composition: Basalt, rich in silica and other minerals. The wine ages in barriques for about a year.

Color

Intense Ruby Red

Bouquet

Cherry, Blackberry, notes of violet, oregano and Mint

Flavor

Elegant, harmonious. Pleasant finish

Pairing

Works well with red meat and cheeses

Personalized Services

Tailored support for your unique business needs — from product scouting and special orders to cost optimization and dedicated account management. We’re your sourcing partner on the ground in Italy.

Peace of Mind Order Management

Real-time inventory, easy online and mobile ordering, and NET terms — all designed to give you full control and visibility with less hassle.

Flexible Deliveries

Adaptable cut-off times, emergency delivery options, and no minimum order for Bay Area delivery or pickup. We work on your schedule, not ours.

View full details
Product Product subtotal Quantity Price Product subtotal
Tenute Moganazzi - Don Michele Etna DOC Rosso
Tenute Moganazzi - Don Michele Etna DOC Rosso
Tenute Moganazzi - Don Michele Etna DOC Rosso
$48.00/ea 		$0.00
$48.00/ea $0.00
Description Image GEOGRAPHIC AND CULTURAL ORIGIN
Don Michele is born on the northeastern slopes of Mount Etna, in the renowned Passopisciaro area of Contrada Moganazzi (Catania province), at 650 meters above sea level. The terroir is volcanic, sandy, and mineral-rich, shaped by millennia of eruptions. The extreme temperature variation between day and night, along with the humid winters and well-ventilated hillsides, creates the ideal environment for slow, balanced grape ripening. This corner of Sicily has been cultivated for centuries, and its wines—deeply influenced by the volcano—tell a story of myth, fire, and heritage.

TECHNIQUE AND ARTISANAL CRAFTSMANSHIP
The vineyard comprises mostly Nerello Mascalese (80%) and Nerello Cappuccio (20%), with a presence of white varietals Cataratto and Carricante. Vines are trained in the traditional "alberello" system, some over 100 years old, with a density of 5,000 plants per hectare and low yields of just 7,000 kg per year.
Harvested by hand between late September and early October, the grapes undergo full destemming, followed by fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks using only indigenous Etna yeasts selected after years of study. The wine is then aged for at least 12 months in French barriques, followed by further refinement in steel. Time and patience are central to the winemaking philosophy.

ORGANOLEPTIC AND NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Deep ruby red in color, Don Michele opens with persistent aromas of cherry, wild herbs, red flowers, and subtle spice. On the palate, it is warm, balanced, and full of volcanic energy—dry, medium- to full-bodied, with soft tannins and a long, harmonious, balsamic finish. It showcases a striking minerality and vibrant acidity, expressing the purity of its high-altitude terroir.

CULINARY USE
This is a versatile red ideal for structured dishes. It complements grilled red meats, wild game, mature cheeses, and savory Sicilian classics. Best served at 18–20°C in a wide glass to fully appreciate its complexity and bouquet.
Producers Image PRODUCER – TENUTE MOGANAZZI
The story of Don Michele is rooted in a family legacy of love and dedication. Founded by cardiologist Michele Pennisi in the 1990s, who fell in love with an eight-hectare vineyard and devoted himself to its care, the estate has since passed into the hands of his son Vincenzo, a geologist. With respect for tradition and an eye on the future, the Pennisi family has nurtured these old vines to produce wines of exceptional finesse and authenticity. The winery produces only about 4,000 bottles per year—an exclusive output that reflects meticulous care and craftsmanship passed from generation to generation.

TERRITORY – CONTRADA MOGANAZZI, ETNA NORTH
The vineyards of Tenute Moganazzi lie at 650 meters above sea level in Passopisciaro, on basaltic soils rich in silica and trace minerals. The unique environment—marked by steep slopes, volcanic ash, and ancient rock—creates a singular terroir. The average vine age is 80 years, and all vines are cultivated with the alberello method, reflecting ancestral knowledge and respect for the land. This part of Etna is considered one of Italy’s most distinctive winemaking zones, offering wines with tension, depth, and unmistakable volcanic identity.
Sustainability Image Tenute Moganazzi is deeply committed to low-impact viticulture. The estate avoids chemical treatments, embraces manual labor, and relies on natural fermentation using native yeasts. The old vines require no irrigation, drawing moisture and nutrients from the deep volcanic soils. Low yields, hand harvesting, and minimal intervention reflect a philosophy of harmony with nature and respect for the land’s natural rhythms.
By preserving heritage vines and promoting biodiversity, the estate ensures both environmental sustainability and cultural continuity—producing wines that are as honest as the earth they come from.