Mount Etna gained its appellation status in 1968 since which every decade has brought on magnificent producers who are now producing wine on all sides of the volcano. The ValCerasa winery is located on the northern slopes and the vineyards are planted at 800 meters in elevation on sandy, richly mineraled and of course volcanic soils. This is made mostly from the Nerello Mascalese grape, planted in the ancient albarello fashion of centuries ago which also included a practice of densely planting the vines to enhance a necessary competition between the vines. The wine was aged in smaller, French oak barrels (225L) and while Etnan wines are never showy, this was has a more overtly textured and fruited palate.