I Custodi “Ætneus” Etna Rosso 2011
I Custodi Aetneus Etna Rosso 2011
Grapes: Nerello Mascalese 80%, Nerello Capuccio 20%
ABV: 13.5%
Winemaker: Salvo Foti
Viniculture: Organic
Winemaking: Wild yeast, 20% whole cluster fermentation, 24 months aging in neutral oak
“powerfully aromatic and wildly savory”
Etna is one of the most incredible regions in Italy, if not the world. Where else can you say that the chief viticultural hazard is a freaking volcano? Eruptions and the subsequent burial by fire or steaming ash is a real existential threat for vineyards and workers on one of the most storied mountains in the world
suggested pairings.
We’ve partnered with Megan Barone of Mixtape Pasta to both choose wines for this box and to craft recipes to pair with them.
Megan is a talented chef and a sharp wine mind who runs Mixtape, what she calls “community supported noodle culture.” Like us, she’s running a small business in a pandemic and trying to survive. She’s helped so many people make memories with her stellar recipes.
We’re excited for you to see what Mixtape Pasta is all about.
Lamb Scottaditto with Cacio e Pepe
We wanted something to match the earthy, intense growl of this wine. Funky, soulful Cacio e pepe and grassy, rich lambchops were an inspired choice by Megan. “Scottaditto” refers to the scorched fingers you get when you pick up the lambchop bones straight off the grill in this classic Roman dish. This wine isn’t from Rome, but it’s grown on volcanic soil a little ways south on the slopes of mount Etna. The sheep that produce Pecorino Romano eat grass grown on volcanic soil.
Music: “Prisencolinensinainciusol” by Adriano Celentano
Megan’s suggestion: a super interesting song by a great Italian singer doing his best “American accent” in Italian
Learn with the Circle
Join us on Youtube as we discuss the nuances of this wine and all the fun things that make it unique.
- Jackson