Etna

Barbazzale Rosso presents itself in dark purple and is a beautifully primary-fruity and solid Nerello from Cottanera. On the palate, it convinces with complex aromas of black berries and mocha. Full, harmonious and ducely fruity, with beautiful tannin, then an interesting fine bitter note in the long fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Juicy mulberry, blackberry, raspberry, orange and herb notes here, with a medium body and powdery tannins. Fruity and bright." James Suckling

Ulysse presents itself in a strong ruby red colour with garnet-red reflections. Attractive aromas of black cherries, redcurrants, raspberries, violets and spices emanate from the glass. Cherry, plum, tobacco and liquorice on the medium-bodied palate, followed by the typical Nerello elegance that makes Etna reds so attractive. Lots of juice and acidity on the final, making you want to take the next sip. SUPERIORE.DE

Brilliant straw yellow. Aromas of lime zest, herbs and light flowers. Juicy on the palate with a fine acid wire; a medium-long, mineral finish rounds off this beautiful white from Etna. SUPERIORE.DE

Sweet cherries, flowers, spices and a hint of mint on the nose. Firm yet harmonious tannin in the lively, very intense flavour, which never feels heavy but elegant until the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Etna Rosso Erse keeps me returning to the glass to take in its vibrant and spicy bouquet, where sour cherries complement dried roses, cloves and a hint of fresh mint. This wine is round and juicy, yet pure, with mineral red berries that saturate, while the lively acidity maintains a fantastic freshness. A subtle coating of fine tannins and a salty note define the final, while the 2020 tapers off smoothly and grippily under a hint of red flowers. This is an excellent entry-level Etna Rosso." Vinous

"The entry-level Tenuta di Fessina 2020 Etna Rosso Erse is elegant and lean with a fun set of aromas that recall white pepper, wild berry, blue flower and candied orange peel. I like this fresh, snappy style and you get great value." Wine Advocate

Strong apricot colour with a sparkling core. Aromas of apricot yoghurt, ripe peach and some lime on the nose. Well-balanced with great tension, slightly noticeable tannin in the middle section, opens up beautifully wide and fruity, ends with powerful pressure in the final and yet always remains elegantly mineral. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright strawberry pink colour. A nose of wet stone and graphite, with a hint of broom and cherry on the finish. Fresh and savoury on the palate, with an elegant tannin structure, fun to drink." Falstaff

"A clean-cut, minerally rosé geared to food pairing, with hints of stone and smoke underscoring dried white cherry, Marcona almond, pink grapefruit peel and dried herb notes. Creamy finish." Wine Spectator

"A quiet nose of just barely ripened wild strawberries and cherries also has a bit of the rubber and graphite of a No. 2 pencil, with tropical fruit flavors of guava and even banana emerging slowly, reiterated on the palate with a boost from blood orange." Wine Enthusiast

Light, brightening garnet colour, very clear bouquet with pronounced fresh fruit notes of berries and rhubarb, elegant on the palate with well-dosed power, supple tannins; juicy, persistent and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, shiny ruby-garnet colour. Nose of wild strawberries, oranges, watermelon, with fine stony notes and plaster. Radiant red berry fruit on the palate, well-integrated tannins and a savoury-salty finish." Falstaff

"A blend of fruit from the Verzella, Solicchiata, Feudo di Mezzo and Guardiola vineyards, which lie between 650 and 900 metres above sea level. This Rosso is vinified in stainless steel and then matured for 12 months in large barrels and tonneaux. Perfumed and dusty, with a Burgundian nose and a hint of violets, it is grippy and well balanced with good acidity and lovely texture. Red cherry and darker plum fruit are carried by fine, ripe tannins, with a soft, elegant finish. Very drinkable." Decanter

"The nose balances the astringency of hibiscus, cranberries and pomegranate with the warmth of bricks, dirt, salt and pepper. The palate features denser, darker fruit notes, which gradually sink into undercurrents of chocolate and coffee. Acid blazes around towering tannins, sending off potent sparks of spice." Wine Enthusiast

"A good example of Etna Rosso with notes of iron and minerals to go with the flavoursome cranberries and dried oranges. Beautiful transparency on the palate despite the assertive, firm tannins that are well chiselled on the palate. Shows structure and length." James Suckling

Here is one of the most beautiful interpretations of the white Carricante grape variety, matured for six months on the fine lees. A fresh, dynamic wine from Etna with a multi-faceted aroma of citrus, white peach, yeast, flint and smoke. Cool grapefruit and passion fruit, taut acidity and impressive mineral notes on the dry finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright green-yellow in colour. Delicately smoky, stony on the nose, with subtle hints of salted lemon and some white flowers. Vibrant, salty on the palate, with noble citrus fruit." Falstaff

"The nose is defined by light, floral aromas of yellow apple, pear, lemon and white flowers, while warm, stony undertones provide balance. The palate is citrus-forward, with the tree-fruit elements also enduring, before a faintly nutty, salty finish that gets a gentle boost from easygoing acid." Wine Enthusiast

"Notes of ripe apples and pears with spices, camomile and a stony minerality. Medium-bodied, supple and polished with juicy acidity and delicious fruit. Complex and full of character." James Suckling

"From the districts of Verzella and Pietramarina, a pure Carricante grown between 600 and 750 metres above sea level and then aged for four months in steel tanks. Notes of lychee on the nose, with a hint of lemon thyme and white melon, with hints of lemon and wild mint. Salty-orange on the palate, with a fruity, citrusy finish." Luca Gardini

Brilliant dark orange colour. Subtle aromas and flavours of red cherry and pink flowers, clean and fresh on the palate, very aromatic and balanced taste with a slightly salty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Delicate, saline and gastronomic, it has a good intensity of cherry and garrigue with a stony mid-palate, then some darker fruits and a touch of refreshing bitterness on the finish." Decanter

"Fruity and creamy with ripe peaches, glazed oranges and dried flowers. Also mineral notes. Medium-bodied, bright and crisp with a chalky, slightly phenolic note. Spicy on the finish." James Suckling

Beautiful, single-varietal white from Carricante from Planeta's Etna Dependence. A youthful, exuberant growth full of freshness, energy and minerality. Grown under exclusive conditions on volcanic soils and at an altitude of 870 metres, this wine is an exceptional pleasure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Warm light yellow; openly fruity, pronounced, appealing; sweet, full-fruity, ripe pear, concentrated, dense, very nice." (JLF) Merum

Sparkling ruby red colour, intense and appealing mineral aroma of plums, orange zest, ripe raspberries and a hint of liquorice in the background. Elegant tannins and a delicious fruity flavour on the juicy palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"This fresh, harmonious red wine shows aromas of black cherries, Earl Grey tea, ground pepper and fine tannins with a base note of tar-like minerality that lingers on the finish." Wine Spectator

"An earthy, savory nose recalls the volcanic soil of Etna's slopes, while the astringency of cranberries, hibiscus, cherries and fennel provide the sparkle of the Italian sun glinting off the snow. The cherries dance on the palate, but a bitter citrus undertone highlights enduring notes of earth and herbs. Acid buzzes around dusty, chewy tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Tefra (Greek word for ash) is a 100% Nerello Mascalese and comes from a parcel in the Contrada Rampante on the northern slopes of Etna between the municipalities of Randazzo and Castiglione di Sicilia. Bright pink colour. Delicate and very clear nose of raspberries and wild strawberries, oranges and herbs. Fresh, juicy and vibrant in the mouth, very tasty racy acidity, finishes with good cool length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Rosato Etna Tefra is remarkably beautiful with its platinum pink colour. It offers a perfumed, floral bouquet. The palate is energetic, with tangy acidity and mineral tones, while crisp fruit flows through the nose. The finish is of medium length. A young strawberry and salty note slowly fade away." Vinous

"Notes of ripe nectarines and pink cherries with dried flowers and citrus peel leading to a medium body with juicy acidity. Crisp and easy to drink." James Suckling

"The pale pink of the glass belies the intense aromatics and rich mouthfeel of this rosé. Wild strawberries and peach candy on the nose give way to more berries and stone fruit on the palate, with a bit of blood orange and lime and a lick of quartz on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

Fresh rosato with a flavour of dark berries and a hint of lavender. Clear fruit on the palate, with elegant suppleness, a fine mineral note and, last but not least, an appealing palatability. SUPERIORE.DE

"This steely, saline rosé comes from a dedicated vineyard, and the fruit is cryo-macerated in the press for up to six hours to obtain the ideal colour. It offers delicious yet simple crunchy green apple, apricot and delicate, bright cherry and strawberry." Decanter

"A bright and fragrant rosé with notes of cherry blossom, peaches, rosehips and strawberries. Medium-bodied, creamy and delicate, but with plenty of flavour and a dry and delicious finish." James Suckling

"The Cottanera 2022 Etna Rosato is beautiful in the glass, with pink, golden and copper-coloured reflections. The colour of the wine is achieved with just three to four hours of skin contact and is aged in steel. The fruit for this wine comes from a vineyard specially cultivated for the production of rosé. The bouquet is floral at the front and fruity at the back. It shows balance and precision with a mineral finish. This is one of my favourite rosé wines from Italy, especially in this price range." Wine Advocate

It is very rare and highly commendable that a pure Nerello Cappuccio is bottled here, when the Nerello Mascalese is usually the red top dog on Etna. Bright garnet-red, youthfully fresh wine with a bouquet of strawberry and citrus fruit, plus stony-mineral tones, flowers and spices. Subtle elegance on the palate with a pleasant fresh breeze. SUPERIORE.DE

Terre Neres Etna Rosato opens flavoursome and animating in the glass. The bouquet has notes of fresh almonds, dried flowers, smoky mandarins and maritime minerals. On the palate, it has an excellent, silky texture and ripe melon with white stone fruit. A salty character hovers over everything, mingling with vibrant acidity and traces of tannin, providing plenty of tension and balance. A fabulous rosé of polished elegance and purity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, bright salmon pink with copper reflections. Delicate on the nose, with delicate aromas of cherry and fresh strawberries. Creamy and beautifully juicy on the palate, polished fruit, balanced and harmonious overall." Falstaff

"A plush rosé marked by succulent acidity, with peach skin, white cherry and watermelon aromas and flavors that burst from the glass. Offers floral, chalk, eucalyptus and smoke accents." Wine Spectator

"Notes of candied cherries and dried orange peel with hints of flowers and minerals. Clean and concentrated on the palate with a medium body, consistent acidity and a lively, flinty character on the finish." James Suckling

"This onion-skin coloured Etna rosé from one of the volcano's best producers is excellent value. It is made from the estate's youngest Nerello Mascalese vines and has an airy bouquet of oyster shells, wild herbs, wet stone and creamy lees, with some delicate red fruits meandering through. Initially very pithy and savoury, it soon gains creamy weight and a beautiful, balanced intensity of pure red fruit. The mid-palate is very stony and mineral, with savoury notes of lime and orange peel, and finishes long, bright, fresh and salty." Decanter

Etna Bianco from Terre Nere offers a surprising degree of depth and sophistication. The cuvée of Carricante, Catarratto, Grecanico, Inzolia and Minnella has an aroma of grapefruit, quince, dried sage and wild mint. Fine mineral notes on the palate, developing elegantly with notes of lemon curd. The balance is marvellous. Seamless. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Etna Bianco 2022 is smoky in the glass and excites the senses with a burst of crushed rock and raw almond before transitioning into a citrus-influenced peach. It is pleasantly soft and enveloping, with weighty textures lifted by vibrant acidity. Mineral fruit and sweet spices meet on the palate. The 2022 finishes remarkably fresh yet grippy and long, leaving the mouth wanting more. The complexity of this wine is unrivalled for an entry-level Etna Bianco. Delicious!" Vinous

"This crackles with an underpinning of salinity, working with vibrant acidity to buoy a well-meshed profile of apricot tart, persimmon, mandarin orange peel, chamomile and chopped almond flavors." Wine Spectator

"It shows attractive flavours of citrus and stone fruit with a hint of mussels, with stony and ashy undertones. Medium-bodied, tangy and fresh with lively acidity and a polished mineral backbone. Steady and concentrated with a crisp finish." James Suckling

"Bright and pithy on the nose, with notes of stone and peach. In the mouth, it's very savoury and juicy, vertical and pithy, with a lovely softness of yellow fruit with floral hints leading to a long, stony finish. So light on its feet yet intense in flavour, with a body that melts away and makes you want another sip." Decanter

Dark, radiant ruby red colour. Pure and elegant, with spicy herbal aromas and fresh fruit notes of cherry and redcurrant. Subtle with a beautiful fruity flavour, a delicate saline vein, yet well-structured, very compact and full of harmony. An Etna Rosso with the almost Burgundian finesse and length of a Pinot Nero. SUPERIORE.DE

Donnafugata's impressive declaration of love to Etna, currently the hottest wine hotspot, began with the Sul Vulcano line. Light ruby red in colour, with a bouquet of wild strawberry and delicate hints of black cherry, cinnamon and nutmeg. The corresponding, fresh flavour and subtle elegance lead to a harmonious and energetic finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Scent of lemon, white flowers and crushed rock. A desire for more. This southern drop from Etna does not disappoint on the palate either. Lively acidity and a long mineral finish make this white wine a perfect accompaniment to food. Structure, elegance and pure white class from Etna. SUPERIORE.DE

"Buonora is an unoaked Carricante sourced from Contrada Feudo in Castiglione di Sicilia, and Contrada Salice in Milo. Steely and appley in aroma, the palate is sapid and juicy, with apple, blossom and apricot skin. Light, salty and pithy, it's an easygoing, pretty Etna Bianco." Decanter

"Lemon zest, white stone fruit, orchid blossom and chalk on the nose, followed by a medium body with clean, pleasant acidity. Structured and slightly phenolic on the palate with a flavourful finish." James Suckling

"Peachy and floral on the nose, with notes of melon and mixed citrus that emerge after a while, before more decadent notes of ripe fruit emerge in a very round and rich palate with a saline note." Wine Enthusiast

Rovittello, like Passiposciaro and Pietramarina, lies on the north and northeast sides of the Etna volcano. In 1911, another eruption took place, which resulted in, among other things, the area from which Fessina's red of the same name comes being flooded by lava rock, thus creating the basalt- and sand-rich terroir on which bush vines up to 100 years old grow today. The microclimate of this particular site, in the shape of an amphitheatre, ensures that the Nerello grapes ripen slowly and completely, giving the wines a unique identity, elegance and depth.

Bright, luminous ruby red. Animating bouquet of violet blossoms, pink pepper and small red forest berries. On the palate, spicy and velvety, the harmony between acidity and fruit extract combined with round, elegant tannins create a wine of aristocratic grace and finesse that will increase in depth and complexity in the coming years. Just 3,000 bottles of it will reach selected specialist retailers and top restaurants. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant cherry red with a hint of ruby. Finely marked nose of redcurrant, raspberry jelly, some cardamom and dark chocolate. Stretches out an elegantly polished dress, showing lively drink, finely woven tannin, with precision and pull, finishing on lush cherries with subtle salinity, pure drinkability." Falstaff

Delicate light pink. Fine berry scent with hints of gravel and tuff. Delicate floral aroma, light plum and pink grapefruit. In the fresh finish some flint and mineral notes. SUPERIORE.DE

"Radiant salmon pink. Slightly reductive on the nose at first, then nuances of sweet cherry and white peach. On the palate full-bodied, with a slight tannic rip, fresh and juicy, fun." Falstaff

"Attractive rosé with pink nectarines, dried flowers and crushed stones on the nose. Medium-bodied, dry and crisp with chalky texture and tangy zestiness at the end. Fresh and crunchy." James Suckling

The eruption of 1614 is legendary in the history of Etna, as it lasted ten years, making it the longest recorded eruption of the active volcano to date. A very impressive and fitting name for Planeta's Etna series of equally impressive wines.

It could hardly be more autochthonous: this excellent wine from the Nerello Mascalese grape comes from the hotspot on the east coast of Sicily, from the slopes of Mount Etna. Bright cherry red in colour, a fine aroma of raspberry and blood orange, gripping, taut acidity, silky tannins and a lively elegance with beautiful minerality. Great, long and unique! SUPERIORE.DE

"This is still very much a wine of Etna, despite being just outside the official boundary of the Etna DOC zone. Airy and textured, light red and black cherries and raspberry mingle with balsam, spice and earth. A poised red which trades complexity for freshness and drinkability." Decanter

"Pure Nerello Mascalese of great finesse, from the Cru Sciaranuova, matured for 12 months in oak barrels, very multi-faceted nose, redcurrant, notes of bay leaf, nutmeg and wild mint. Savoury and spicy on the palate, with a fruity, oily finish." Luca Gardini

"The 2019 Nerello Mascalese Eruzione 1614 is delicate and floral in the glass, with pretty rose tones and spice notes that complement dusty black cherry. It washes over the palate with lightness, soft and juicy in flavour, with tactile mineral tones that linger towards the end. A layer of fine tannins lingers as the 2019 finishes remarkably fresh yet youthfully structured. It will take some time to fully develop." Vinous

"Flavours of sliced strawberries, red cherries and grated nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied with fine, slightly taut tannins. Lively and acidic on the palate, with plenty of white pepper as a stimulus. Accompanied by notes of wet stone and sage. Well-structured and multi-layered. Best after 2024." James Suckling

The eruption of 1614 is legendary in the history of Etna, as it lasted ten years, making it the longest recorded eruption of the active volcano to date. A very impressive and fitting name for Planeta's Etna series of equally impressive wines.

Carricante from Planeta's Etna vineyard is an exceptional wine full of freshness, energy and minerality. This noble grape variety thrives in exclusive conditions, on volcanic soils and at altitudes of 870 metres. A wonderfully complex pleasure that is only ever released for sale two years after the harvest. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Carricante Eruzione 1614 combines richness with vibrancy: ripe peach and melon are complemented by floral honey notes and hazelnut. It is soft and supple, but with a core of zesty acidity that balances tropical citrus tones under a hint of exotic flowers. The 2020 finishes clean and mineral, with hints of lime and fresh mint. The Eruzione 1614 Carricante always stands out in my tastings, which makes sense, as its 10% Riesling Renano content gives it unexpected energy." Vinous

"This white wine, made exclusively from steel, comes from Contrada Sciaranuova on the north side of Mount Etna and is made from 100% Carricante (previous vintages contained around 10% Riesling). Flinty, earthy and smoky, it has aromas of green and yellow fruit and an intense, juicy palate with plenty of succulence and freshness." Decanter

"Wild oregano and seaweed (with lemon and brine) combine on the nose to create a perfect marriage of volcano and gulf that dominate the space in which it is produced. Roasted herbs and seawater-washed slate are found on the palate, as well as stone fruit that is bursting with citrus and acidity and seemingly never-ending." Wine Enthusiast

"Intense nose with notes of oatmeal, seeds, white nuts and minerals to the stewed lemons and apples. Fresh, tangy and attractively savoury on the palate with bright, zesty acidity and a nice phenolic kick at the end. Excellent concentration and salinity." James Suckling

Donnafugata's impressive declaration of love for Etna, currently the hottest wine hotspot, began with the Sul Vulcano line. Carricante is one of southern Italy's most exciting grape varieties, capable of complexity and terroir-driven expression in the right soils. The vines for Donnafugata's only white wine from Etna grow on volcanic soils rich in minerals at 700-750 metres above sea level. The wine is fermented in steel tanks before being aged partly in concrete tanks and partly in second and third choice barriques for 10 months and then in bottle for a further nine months.

Straw yellow with golden reflections. Bouquet of white flowers and wild herb and citrus notes. On the palate it is full, fresh and spicy and closes with impressive freshness, elegance and an exciting mineral vein. SUPERIORE.DE

Elegant, exotic-looking Etna Bianco with wonderfully wide aromas of tropical fruits, flowers and peach. Beautifully juicy, balanced and long on the palate. SUPERIORE.DE

"This has notes of lemons, chamomile and sweet basil. It’s bright and fruity, with a medium body and fresh, creamy finish." James Suckling