Val d’Aosta native Federico Curtaz lived most of his life in Piedmont, where his mother’s family owned a cattle farm and vineyards. Federico graduated with an agronomist degree from Asti, where he taught for a short time before meeting world-renowned winemaker Angelo Gaja. He collaborated with Gaja for nearly 15 years before traveling the world on various consulting gigs. After one such stint, Federico fell in love with Sicily: its wines, its history and its culture. Initially, he moved there to start a joint project with a new winery in Etna, but he soon parted ways to establish his own namesake winery in 2015. Federico rents and manages three small vineyards around Etna where is grows Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese and Carricante.

Federico’s il Purgatorio is crafted from 100% Nerello Mascalese sourced from the southern slopes of Mount Etna. This Etna Rosso is fermented in stainless steel, then aged 12 months in barriques. Il Purgatorio pours an intense ruby red offering a captivating nose of spiced wild berry fruits tinged with notes of fresh herbs. The palate is refined and elegant showcasing flavors of brambly fruits: raspberries, blackberries and mulberries, accented with warm baking spices. These concentrated fruit flavors are complemented by a vibrant acidity and fine, silky tannins which effortlessly guide this wine to a long, persistent finish. Enjoy with hard, mature cheeses, grilled or roasted meats and most dishes with rich, savory sauces.