Signum Aetnae Riserva
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed 8–20 years from the vintage release, showing exceptional aging potential.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted wild boar, slow-cooked lamb shanks, aged pecorino cheese
✨ Technical Specifications
Hailing from the high-altitude slopes of Mount Etna, Firriato's Signum Aetnae Riserva is a monumental tribute to the wild, volcanic terroir of Sicily. This rare cuvée is sourced from the Cavanera Etnea estate in Contrada Verzella, where centenarian, pre-phylloxera vines—some over 150 years old—survive in sandy, ash-rich volcanic soils. These ancient, self-rooted bush vines yield incredibly concentrated fruit. The wine represents the 'seal' of the volcano, capturing the intense minerality, smoky undertones, and ethereal elegance unique to Etna's extreme viticulture. Aged meticulously in wooden casks and refined in the bottle, it displays a complex aromatic profile of dark red berries, wild herbs, graphite, and exotic spices, underpinned by a vibrant acidity and refined tannins that reflect its historic heritage.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 1984 by Salvatore Di Gaetano and his wife Vinizia Novara, Firriato is one of Sicily's premier wine producers, widely acclaimed for championing the island's viticultural renaissance. The estate spans remarkably diverse terroirs across Sicily, ranging from the sun-drenched vineyards of the Trapani countryside and the maritime climate of the island of Favignana to the high-altitude volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. Deeply committed to certified organic farming and sustainability, Firriato focuses on preserving authentic biodiversity by cultivating native Sicilian varieties such as Nero d'Avola, Nerello Mascalese, and Grillo, alongside select international grapes. Their dynamic portfolio captures the distinct character of each microclimate through celebrated flagship wines like Harmonium, Ribeca, and the Etna-sourced Cavanera collection.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Nerello Mascalese