Gaudensius (Non-vintage) - Firriato

In the heart of Sicily, on the slopes of Etna, the Firriato winery has created a wine that tells stories of lava and passion: Gaudensius. This wine, which takes its name from the Latin "gaudere", meaning "to rejoice", is a tribute to the joy of living and to the richness of the volcanic land. Nerello Mascalese, the leading variety of this area, grows on soils that were once rivers of lava, turning the destructive force of the volcano into a nectar that enchants. With Gaudensius, Firriato celebrates not only the wine but also the resilience and the beauty of a place unlike any other in the world.

The appellation: Etna Rosso DOC

Etna Rosso DOC is one of the most fascinating and prestigious appellations in Italian winegrowing. The wines of this appellation are produced exclusively on the slopes of Mount Etna, in Sicily, one of the most unique terroirs in the world. Marked by extraordinary elegance, finesse and pronounced minerality, Etna Rosso DOC wines are reds of great personality, able to combine tradition and modernity.

What to eat with Gaudensius

Who makes it: Firriato

Firriato is one of the best-known wineries in Sicily, founded in the 80s by Salvatore and Vinzia Di Gaetano. The estate has built its reputation on championing native grape varieties and on the diversity of Sicilian terroirs. With vineyards spread between Trapani, Etna and the Egadi Islands, Firriato manages to express the essence of Sicilian winegrowing, combining tradition and innovation. The estate is also a benchmark for organic viticulture, with certified production and a strong commitment to sustainability.

The vine of Gaudensius

Nerello Mascalese

Nerello Mascalese is one of the most important and representative black grape varieties of Sicily, and in particular of the volcanic territories of Etna. Known for its extraordinary elegance and its ability to reflect the terroir, Nerello Mascalese is considered the emblematic variety of the wines of Etna DOC, where it is often vinified as a single variety or blended with Nerello Cappuccio.

Gaudensius: the area of Etna

Climate: Mountain-volcanic

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Volcanic

Geographical setting: Volcano and far from the sea

Profile of Gaudensius

Primary aromas: White flowers, White fruit

Secondary aromas: Bread crust, Yeast

Tertiary aromas: Hazelnut

Tasting notes: An elegant sparkling wine with notes of white fruit and a pleasant minerality, ideal for aperitifs and fish dishes.