Award Winning 2018 Girolamo Russo Feudo di Mezzo Etna Red Wine WA94 WE91

Girolamo Russo Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo 2018
Hailing from Sicily’s iconic volcanic slopes, Girolamo Russo’s Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo 2018 is a masterclass in elegance and depth. Crafted exclusively from century-old Nerello Mascalese vines grown at 670 meters above sea level, this wine defies the challenges of its rainy vintage to deliver a strikingly aromatic profile and velvety texture that set it apart from other Etna reds.

The nose bursts with vibrant dried rose and lavender notes, interwoven with wild berry and cassis aromas—a floral complexity rarely found in volcanic terroir wines. Subtle hints of campfire ash and herbal balsam add an earthy contrast, creating a sensory journey that resonates long after each sip. On the palate, its silky smoothness lingers effortlessly, thanks to Giuseppe Russo’s renowned winemaking expertise that balances intensity with grace.

While many Etna wines lean toward rusticity, Feudo di Mezzo shines with refined structure: bright red cherry and spice nuances unfold on a medium-bodied frame, complemented by coffee-like undertones. Though its youthfully firm tannins suggest cellaring until 2023 or beyond, the wine’s approachable fruitiness offers immediate appeal when paired with bold dishes like grilled meats or tomato-based pasta.

This limited-production bottling—only 3,000 bottles crafted annually—celebrates the unique microclimate of its vineyard site, where steep elevations and nutrient-rich soils produce wines of unparalleled concentration. Ideal for collectors seeking rare Sicilian vintages or enthusiasts exploring volcanic wines’ complexity, it offers excellent aging potential while showcasing Nerello Mascalese’s signature finesse today.

Rated 94 points by Wine Advocate for its floral elegance and texture, and 91 points by Wine Enthusiast for its linear intensity and aging promise, this bottle is a testament to Russo’s commitment to excellence in challenging growing conditions. Whether you’re discovering Etna Rosso or building a volcanic wine collection, Feudo di Mezzo delivers distinctive character rooted in tradition and terroir—perfect for savoring now or treasuring over decades.

Alcohol Content: 14.5%
In-store availability may vary; vintage date may differ from image.

This version emphasizes user benefits (aging potential, food pairing), integrates keywords like “volcanic terroir,” “century-old vines,” “Sicilian red wine,” “ Nerello Mascalese,” “limited-production,” and “volcanic soils” naturally into descriptive contexts while highlighting distinctions such as elevation-driven complexity and silky texture compared to regional peers. It avoids redundancy by varying descriptors (e.g., “wild berry” vs “red cherry”) and focuses on both immediate enjoyment and long-term investment appeal without keyword stacking.