Azienda Agricola Sciara Etna 980 metri 2023

Azienda Agricola Sciara Etna 980 metri 2023

Azienda Agricola Sciara was founded by Hong Kong-born 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. Three main vineyards, Carrana, Barbarbecchi, and Monte Dolce, are situated at around 980 meters altitude along the Quota Mille road. Due to similar soil conditions, grapes from these plots are combined to produce the 980 metri wine. The grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation and mature separately in different containers to enhance the wine’s complexity. Vineyard management is all by hand without irrigation, chemical fertilization, or pesticides. Because of limited cultivable land on Etna’s volcanic slopes, the annual production is low but of exceptional quality.

Vinification & Style
Grapes picked from volcanic slopes at 980 meters spontaneously ferment. Part of the wine ages about 19 months in French oak barrels, amphorae, and glass vessels with no added external material. Maceration and whole cluster fermentation proportions vary with vintage and grape skin tannin. Sulfite additions are minimized (8-32 mg/L) to preserve natural flavor. The finished wine is delicately structured with rich layers and expresses wild mountain character.

Tasting Notes
Color: Pale garnet
Aroma: Volcanic rock, dried fruits, black truffle, wild herbs, graphite, with subtle ink notes
Palate: Bright red fruit, fresh mineral austerity, delicate tannins, balanced acidity and a long finish. The strong tannins suggest decanting or slow drinking.

Critic Scores & Honors
Selected by renowned wine critic James Suckling as one of the Top 100 Wineries of 2025.
Highly praised at the international natural wine fair RAW WINE and among local critics for its “highland wildness + mineral layering.”
Often compared to Burgundy Pinot Noir and nicknamed “The Golden Hill of Etna.”

Recommended Pairings: Roast chicken, wild boar or lamb chops.

Origin: Etna, Italy
Vineyards: Carrana, Barbarbecchi, and Monte Dolce
Altitude: 840 to 1000 meters
Vine age: Approx. 45 to 80+ years
Training system: Alberello low bush vines
Varietal: Nerello Mascalese
Soil: Volcanic ash, rock, and sand
Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts
Aging: 19 months in French oak barrels, amphorae, and glass containers
Alcohol: Approx. 13%
Volume: 750ml