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     Monte Serra, the volcanic cone at the lowest altitude of the eastern side of
Etna, in the commune of Viagrande (Ct).
 500 m asl.
 high rainfall and humidity with great temperature changes throughout the day.
 sandy, volcanic, very rich in minerals with subacid reaction.
 Nerello Mascalese (Negrello) grown as alberello (free standing bush). This is the main vine of
the Etnean region. It has large medium-compact bunches, with medium-sized
grapes having skins light blue, very pruinose. Its taste is sweet
and very tannic. Nerello Cappuccio or Mantellato (mantled) grown as alberello
(free
standing bush). Its place of origin is unknown. It has medium-small
sized compact bunches, medium-sized grapes, blue-black skins. Its taste
is sweet
and slightly tannic.
 about 8,000 vinestocks per hectare.
 55 q.
 100 years, in part with vines "franco di piede" (ungrafted).
 the grapes, harvested at the end of September, are vinified in red with long
maceration of the must with the skins in 52-hectoliter oak casks.
 after malolactic fermentation, wine is transferred into small casks (225 liters)
where it matures for more than one year.
 in bottle for at least 12 months.
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 - color: vivid red ruby.
- scent: ethereal, intense with hints of wild berries, peach and noble wood. - taste: full, harmonic, considerably persistent and reasonably tannic.  13.5 % by VOL.
 18-20°C. in glasses suitable for red bodied wines.
 with wild fowl, meat and sauces even elaborated, and mature cheese.
 it benefits from long permanence in bottle, becoming more austere and mature
4-5 years after harvest.
The name Serra della Contessa appeared for the first time in a very old notarial
document written in Latin and dating back to the year 1474.
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