Description
Azienda Agricola Sciara 1200 metri 2023
Azienda Agricola Sciara was founded by Hong Kong winemaker Stef Yim on the northern slopes of the active volcano Mount Etna in Sicily. He is the first Hong Kong person to own vineyards and a winery in Europe. The estate is located near Randazzo and owns nine vineyard parcels ranging in altitude from 630 meters to Europe's highest at 1520 meters. The soils are volcanic rocks rich in minerals. The 1200 metri wine comes from the Nave vineyard at 1200 meters altitude on Mount Etna, crafted from high-altitude old vines. The large diurnal temperature range from 6 to 25 degrees Celsius helps the grapes develop complex flavors. This wine fully expresses the volcanic soils and local terroir, emphasizing pure layers and aromas with a rich and vivid sense of place.
Vinification & Style
The grapes from 1200 meters were naturally fermented without clarification or stabilization and aged about 19 months in various sizes of amphorae to preserve purity and natural character reflecting the wild native yeasts.
Tasting Notes
A surreal nose with aromas of rose, wild mint, mushroom, and wet stones in a rainforest. The palate is transparent and delicate, revealing flavors of mountain berries and flowers, truly reflecting the purity of volcanic soils.
Recommended Pairings: Truffles, porcini mushrooms, roasted chestnuts, and various vegetable dishes.
Critic Scores & Honors
Selected by renowned wine critic James Suckling as one of the Top 100 Wineries of 2025 with a score of 95 (JS95).
Highly praised at the international natural wine fair RAW WINE and by local critics for its "highland wildness and mineral layers."
Origin: Etna, Italy
Vineyard: Nave
Altitude: 1200 meters
Vine age: Approx. 70 to 120+ years
Training system: Alberello low bush vines
Varietal: Grenache
Soil: Volcanic ash and sand
Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts without clarification or stabilization
Aging: 19 months in different sizes of amphorae
Alcohol: Approx. 13%
Volume: 750ml