Silvia Maestrelli, the late founder of Tenuta Fessina, once said, “I look up to Mount Etna like a daughter would look up to a mother.” Ms. Maestrelli passed away in 2022, a pioneer of Etna winegrowing and the first female winery owner on the mountain that the locals refer to as “idda,” or “she.” Not her. Etna is the subject, not the object, in this corner of Sicilia. She calls the shots.

Maestrelli’s 17th century property in Rovittello, framed by two lava flows that spared the property in 1809 and 1911, is home to her 70-110 year old vines deeply rooted in the black volcanic soil. She named this Nerello Mascalese vineyard Musmeci, for the original owners of the land. The Benantis are neighbors here in the Dafara Galluzzo contrada, as is Torre Mora and the famous consulting enologist Paolo Caciorgna. This heart of Etna’s northeast slopes is home to some of the greatest terroirs in Sicily.

Why You'll Love It

• Anyone who loves great Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo will love this ancient-vine Nerello Mascalese, filled with vibrant strawberry and marasca cherry fruit, penetrating minerality, and concentration that can only come from 84-year old vines in a warm harvest. 

• Certified Organic; this wine is a 100% natural product.

• Remarkably pretty and finessed, sweet spices, rose petals and nuances of dried strawberry. Silky and round with depth and pronounced vivid acidity.

How to Serve it

• Serve in Burgundy bowls or Nebbiolo stems, at 58°F.

• Drink now or through 2030.

• Pair with swordfish with salmoriglio or shashlik lamb loin chops.