Tasting in the Foothills of Mt. Etna
By Jamie Knee, Petite Wine Traveler – Luxury Wine Writer & Global Wine Communicator
I was thrilled to return to Sicily on my wine travels and taste once again with Winemaker and CEO Jacopo Maniaci of Tenuta di Fessina. Our last conversation took place virtually in 2020. Standing together on the volcanic slopes of Etna felt like a beautiful, full-circle moment. This experience reminded me why Etna wine tasting in Sicily continues to enchant wine lovers worldwide.
I was thrilled to recently visit Sicily, on my wine travels and taste once again with Winemaker and CEO, Jacopo Maniaci of Tenuta di Fessina. But this time we are in person after our long-distance virtual interview in 2020.
Etna’s Volcanic Power and the Birth of Tenuta di Fessina
For more than five hundred thousand years, Mt. Etna has shaped the landscape with dramatic plumes of smoke and rich volcanic ash. These ancient eruptions created nutrient-dense soils that are unlike anywhere else in the world. Nestled in these shadows lies Tenuta di Fessina, a breathtaking 15-hectare estate framed by two historic lava flows from 1911 and 1809.
These dual flows carved out distinct soil compositions. This gives each vineyard block its own identity and expressive depth. With local grape varieties of Nerello Mascalese, Carricante, and a bit of Nerello Cappuccio, Tenuta di Fessina produces amazing Certified Organic (BIOagricert) wines. These wines all maintain their freshness, acidity, and striking minerality due to the rocky, clay, and sandy soils from proximity to the still active volcano.
Nerello Mascalese: Etna’s Iconic Grape
Many of the estate’s vines date back to the pre-phylloxera era. Remarkably, these 120-year-old plants still yield concentrated, beautifully balanced fruit. Wines made from 100 percent Nerello Mascalese reveal silky tannins, persistent acidity, and layered flavors of red and dark cherry, mint, and subtle spice.
Tasting old-vine Nerello Mascalese at Tenuta di Fessina is like tasting history—alive, vibrant, and deeply connected to the volcanic earth beneath your feet.
While at the vineyard we also had:
Erse Etna Bianco D.O.C. – A Fresh, Saline Expression
While visiting the estate, we began with Erse Etna Bianco D.O.C., crafted primarily from the Carricante grape.
This wine offers:
• Bright acidity
• A fresh, savory palate
• Herbaceous notes
• A beautifully salty finish
With local varieties such as Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, and Carricante, Tenuta di Fessina creates remarkable Certified Organic (BIOagricert) wines. These wines capture Etna’s unmistakable minerality. The rocky, clay, and sandy soils shaped by the volcano deliver freshness and energy in every sip.
Erse Etna Rosso D.O.C. – Volcanic Elegance in a Glass
Grape Variety: Nerello Mascalese
Flavor profile:
• Bright red cherry
• Fresh blackberry
• Nutmeg
• Pink pepper
This red blend highlights the structure and finesse that Etna’s high-altitude vineyards are celebrated for.
Erse Etna Rosato D.O.C. – A Rosé with Volcanic Soul
Grape Varieties: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio
This Etna Rosato is a stunning pink wine with:
• Balanced acidity
• Lively structure
• Flavors of red and black cherry
• Acacia flower
• A whisper of citrus zest
It is fresh, refined, and a beautiful example of Etna’s rosato style.
A’ Puddara Etna Bianco D.O.C. A White wine made exclusively from Carricante grapes. This easy-drinking wine has flavors of orange zest, tropical fruits with high acid and minerality.
Il Musmeci Bianco Superiore- Etna Bianco D.O.C. Made from 100% Carricante grapes, a delicious wine with complexity of character. With a savory flavor of herbs, lemon, citrus zest and a bit of wax.
Il Musemeci Etna Rosso Superiore- Nerello Mascalese 100%, an earthy red with forest floor, red fruits, licorice, tobacco, rosemary, with a spicy quality of nutmeg, and a full round finish.
It was an unbelievably fabulous afternoon spent with Jacopo, who at only 32 years of age seems wise beyond his years, with a love and passion for his homeland of Sicily! The winery has a strong emphasis on hospitality, and this was on full display as we toured the winery, vineyards, and the old processing plant.
If you want to make a night of it, stay in their newly renovated seven-room guest house, built inside a 17th century structure that is on the property. It comes complete with a kitchen. The rate includes breakfast and, of course, wines.
A Must-Visit Estate for Your Sicily Wine Travels
Save this post for your next adventure to Sicily.
Tenuta di Fessina stands as one of the most celebrated and recognizable wineries in the Etna region. It will always be a first stop on my Sicilian wine journeys.
If you love volcanic wines, ancient vines, and soulful winemaking, this estate belongs at the top of your list.
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Thank you for your kind words. Cheers!