Etna

Lively ruby with light reflections. On the nose, aromas of violets, red berries, rhubarb, black cherries and a subtle hint of nutmeg. Exceptionally compact on the palate, with impressive acidity, fine fruit sweetness and perfectly formed tannin. Great freshness and energy, a salty vein in the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2015 Etna Rosso Il Musmeci Riserva pulls you close with its sweetly scented bouquet of ripe strawberries and plum, dried flowers and a dusting of cinnamon and clove. It's silky and fleshy in feel, contrasted by a spicy display of tart wild berries and minerals, all balanced by zesty acids. Violet florals linger over a coating of dusty tannin as this tapers off structured yet persistent. The best is still to come for this incredibly pretty and seductive Nerello Mascalese." Vinous

"The Tenuta di Fessina 2015 Etna Rosso Riserva Il Musmeci is made with Nerello Mascalese and shows signs of a delicate and slow bottle evolution. The fruit is intact with dried cherry and soft plum, but aged notes of tar, smoky ash and cured tobacco have also started to set in. These are elegant results with tannic tightness at the back, made for a steak and creamy mushroom sauce. You could wait to drink this bottle, but it tastes great right now." Wine Advocate

Beautiful single vineyard Nerello from the north side of Etna. Cherry and small wild strawberry on the nose. Very clearly accentuated and fresh taste, acidity and tannin in perfect harmony and well integrated. Long finish with an impressive elegance and freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant bright ruby red. Fine-smelling, red berry nose, with a hint of sea salt, cold smoke, reverberating iron and slightly earthy. The palate is dense and tight, showing powerful, tight tannin, savoury, stretching long across the tongue, earthy finish." Falstaff

"Mid ruby with orange tinges. Firm red-fruit nose with just a hint of oak. A core of red fruit framed in chewy tannins. Very long, while the firm structure needs a little more time, which would need a tad more fruit concentration to balance out. Right now it has lots of charm." Jancis Robinson

"The Cottanera 2017 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo draws its fruit from one of the grand cru sites of Etna, if you care to classify the appellation vineyards in that manner. From a hot vintage, this wine shows depth and concentration that gives the wine weight and a heavy center of gravity. That makes all the difference in terms of mouthfeel. The wine's volume and texture have been considerably enhanced. The quality of fruit is solid, and the wine shows pretty acidity thanks to vineyard sites located at a cool 750 meters in elevation." Wine Advocate

This Carricante from vines up to 100 years old from a small single vineyard gives no indication of its varietal and terroir origins. Fine fruity aroma, mineral and with a fresh sea breeze. Powerful, well-structured, a fine woody note, balanced and long flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Le Vigne Niche Santo Spirito rises from the glass with a savoury blend of crushed green apples, wet stones and a hint of chamomile. The wine is silky and soothing, with flavours of ripe apricot and nectarine accompanied by sweet herbs and a hint of candied lime, carried by a lively acidity. The finish is long and lightly textured, leaving a mineral note and traces of Asian pear that slowly fade. I usually consider the Santo Spirito to be the more open and accessible Bianco from the Terre Nere portfolio, but in 2022 it holds its power in reserve." Vinous

"Santo Spirito Bianco is floral and light, with a distinct breeze of citrus, seashells and salt. Concentrated and intense, with a juicy, savoury attack, it is packed with citrus peel, white peach and flowers, yet remains light on its feet, stony and vertical. Soft and long." Decanter

"A very nice and typical white top Etna with aromas of dried apples, lemon shrub and lemongrass that develop into a medium to full body, with a nice fruit core and lots of undertones of nougat, lemon curd and ricotta. Multi-layered." James Suckling

This single-vineyard Carricante comes from the small Montalto vineyard on the southern slope of Etna at an altitude of around 950 metres. It is the most balanced and at the same time most exciting of all Etna Bianco from Terre Nere in terms of its overall impression and flavour; the whole Etna package is present here in exactly the right dose: Minerality, salinity, fruitiness and a perfect hint of orange peel and flint on the nose. On the palate, it is vibrant and fine, with an almost Burgundian dimension, full of finesse and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lovely dried apple and lemon with some mineral and stone character both on the nose and palate. It also shows some pumice. Medium body. Crisp and multi-layered." James Suckling

"It is soft, fleshy and peachy in flavour, yet with excellent acidity. Notes of stone and pineapple add vibrancy to this delicious, flavoursome white wine with no alcohol content." Decanter

"Spicy and full of tension, the 2022 Etna Bianco Le Vigne Niche Montalto bursts from the glass with a blend of lemon zest, minty herbs, young peaches and crushed rocks. This opens with a pretty inner sweetness and crisp minerality, rushing the palate with ripe orchard fruits elevated by candied citrus. The Montalto finishes with fantastic length and potency, lightly structured and tactile. This gorgeous Etna Bianco is drinking beautifully today yet with the balance to promote medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"Muscularity and intensity are qualities we are happy to leave to other producers," they say from the small garage winery. "A nice fullness, but nothing exaggerated, a lot of suppleness, a fine expression of fruit, a discreet use of oak, long and persistent on the finish, but without any heaviness," is how Moretti Cuseri describes his first and only Etna Rosso DOC. In our opinion, the elegant volcanic wine Animardente - in German "fiery spirit" - delivers exactly what the fascinating wine-growing region promises. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wild berry, eucalyptus and Mediterranean scrub aromas form the nose on this poised, focused red. Polished and svelte, the racy palate offers juicy strawberry, red cherry and star anise before a saline close. Lithe, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity provide balance." Wine Enthusiast

"There's a pleasing vibrancy to this harmonious red, with supple tannins and light acidity buoying flavors of dried strawberry and cherry, violet and anise. Darker base notes of sweet apple smoke and fig cake push through on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Etna Rosso Animardente mixes hints of sour citrus, spicy florals and tart cherries to create an alluring display. It shows soft textures and a juicy expression of Nerello Mascalese fruit, tinged with salty minerals as inner rose tones form toward the close. Fine tannins linger under an air of licorice and hard red candies, as this tapers off lightly structured and quite pleasant. I wouldn't hold the 2018 for too long in the cellar, but frankly, it's so enjoyable now that there's really no reason to wait." Vinous

"A very tight and very focused Etna red with lots of red fruit, as well as plums, cherries, orange peel and dried flowers. Linear and racy with energy and intensity." James Suckling

"The Contrada Santo Spirito di Passopisciaro 2018 Etna Rosso Animardente opens to a lean-bodied appearance and shows bright aromas of cassis, sour cherry and blackcurrant. The wine is tart and fresh with a silky mouthfeel that washes clean over the palate, imparting dried mountain herb, volcanic ash and light spice along the way. Fruit is drawn from a high-altitude site at 700 meters above sea level on rocky terrain shaped by ancient lava flows. The vines are planted in traditional alberello and are 70 years old, accounting for the wine's fruit depth and subtle complexity. Production is 3,830 bottles." Wine Advocate

Passobianco is an elegant Chardonnay with a beautiful, clear bouquet of aromas of peach blossom, tangerine, pineapple, bright berries and mineral notes. Lush, generous taste, full body, sensual texture, long and with memories of macadamia and banana the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Passobianco 2021 is dreamlike. It rises with a sweet burst of white flowers and candied lime, then pulls the taster back to earth with wet stone and zesty herbs. It's smooth and round with pure fruit flavours that make it creamy as it warms on the palate. The 2021 finishes with medium length, is crisply refreshing and leaves a lingering baked apple note. This is a more opulent version of Passobianco, a single-vineyard Chardonnay, but expertly balanced and should develop superbly over several years." Vinous

"Intense straw yellow with green reflections. Expressive nose, yellow peach and honeydew melon as well as a hint of vanilla. Elegant on the palate with a nice arc of tension, lots of juice at the beginning, pleasant melting, spicy-mouthwatering final." Falstaff

"Aged between cement and wooden barrels, an exceptional island Chardonnay that confirms the unique vocation of Etna. Notes of lychee, nectarine, with a hint of orange blossom and a touch of fresh thyme. Salty on the nose, with a fruity-floral finish and great persistence." Luca Gardini

"This wine comes from a Chardonnay vineyard planted on volcanic dust in the Guardiola area. It is perfumed with a mineral and slightly cooked lemon character. Some apple. Also dust. Medium to full body. Lemon curd. Light lemon and a crisp finish." James Suckling

The third vintage of the red crus from Cusumano's still young Alta Mora family from Etna is a deep dark red, single-varietal Nerello. Elegant bouquet with aromas of berries and herbs, on the palate lean, juicy and very finesse with silky tannins and fine acidity, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright shining ruby red. Intense nose of raspberries, cherries and Mediterranean herbs as well as a little smoky in the back. Very fresh and juicy on the palate with very appealing tannins and pleasant drinking flow." Falstaff

"A fresh, focused red, with brambly herb accenting the wild cherry and red currant fruit flavors. It's light- to medium-bodied, with a fine frame of light, snappy tannins and a subtle underpinning of tarry smoke and spice lingering on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Elegant and savory, this focused red has aromas of wild berry, blue flower, underbrush and dark spice. The radiant palate has great energy, delivering juicy Morello cherry, licorice and tobacco alongside lithe, fine-grained tannins that give it a rather drying finish. Bright acidity keeps it well balanced." Wine Enthusiast

"Complex aromas of smoke, bramble and savory herbs, followed by cloves and dried flowers. This is an elegant, medium-bodied red with ultra fine tannins and red-tea notes. Firm and lightly austere. Mouthwatering finish." James Suckling

"The Alta Mora 2016 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo is a wine of unsuspecting power and intensity. The momentum takes a moment to build, but sure enough, this wine fills the balloon of your glass with ripe cherry, cassis, blue flower and rusty nail aromas. It also shows a sanguine or mineral side with iron ore and pencil shavings. Made with fruit from 90- to 100-year-old vines, the wine hits the palate in a sharp and decisive manner, thanks to the tannins and the wine's focused style. A tasting party with just a few slices of caciocavallo cheese will be huge success with this bottle." Wine Advocate

Animardente is a pure Nerello Mascalese produced from vines planted in bushes at an altitude of 700 metres on partly sandy and ashy, partly gravelly soils that are exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night. The name of the wine is derived from the bowels of the volcano, from its incessant activity, the heat and the colour of the magma. The vines grow in a kind of amphitheatre created by volcanic eruptions, which over the centuries have produced a valuable substrate for viticulture: On dark volcanic soils formed from lava flows, mainly free-living, rootless vines develop here, which are exposed to the most extreme climatic influences. Animardente was born a few years ago in this almost moon-like landscape. A name that tells of the soul of the silent volcano, unexpected and incandescent, breathing life into perpetual motion. An irrepressible and seductive force of nature, the expression of a unique terroir.

Animardente 2019 has a dark consistency and a beautifully saturated garnet red colour. The bouquet has a wildly romantic impression of spices, dried berries, cassis, lavender flowers and polished river rock. More concentrated on the palate than many of its Etna counterparts, yet with captivating elegance and harmony. Seductive, powerful, structured and authentic. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a sparkling centre. The nose is characterised by strong reduction, cold smoke, delicate red berry fruit, red currants, restrained overall. Clear on the palate with a juicy core, shows equally juicy tannins, also full-bodied pressure." Falstaff

"Raspberries, cola cubes and vanilla notes on the nose. Light, fresh and full-bodied, but with creamy tannins. Mouth-filling and bright with a certain lightness. Well balanced and juicy. Excellent food companion with not too high acidity, everything in balance. Easy to drink and enjoy." Decanter

"The Contrada Santo Spirito di Passopisciaro 2019 Etna Rosso Animardente offers dark fruits and a medium-bodied concentration. This particular density is a characteristic of this classic vintage. The wine offers fine tannins and Etna-specific flavours of wild berries, cassis, wild roses and ashy minerality. This wine is accessible, open and goes well with grilled meat. The fruit comes from 70-year-old Alberello vines that grow at 700 metres above sea level with a north-easterly exposure." Wine Advocate

"A medium-bodied, spicy and mineral red wine with lots of fresh and dried cherries, oyster shells, mushrooms and a little iodine. Also tea leaves. Firm tannins. Fresh, mineral finish." James Suckling

Animardente is a pure Nerello Mascalese produced from vines planted in bushes at an altitude of 700 metres on partly sandy and ashy, partly gravelly and pebbly soils that are exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night. The name of the wine is derived from the bowels of the volcano, from its incessant activity, the heat and the colour of the magma. The vines grow in a kind of amphitheatre created by volcanic eruptions, which over the centuries have produced a valuable substrate for viticulture: On dark volcanic soils formed from lava flows, mainly free-living, rootless vines develop here, which are exposed to the most extreme climatic influences. Animardente was born a few years ago in this almost moon-like landscape. A name that tells of the soul of the silent volcano, unexpected and incandescent, breathing life into perpetual motion. An irrepressible and seductive force of nature, the expression of a unique terroir. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cherry red color with a garnet hue. It’s medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a fresh cherry, dried lemon and stone character. Crunchy and delicious. Hints of mineral and pumice at the end." James Suckling

Guardiola, a cru from Nerello Mascalese, shows the typical elegant aromatics from volcanic soils. Fine raspberry fruit, gentle acidity and silky tannins, full and ripe, but never too full. A modern drop from a traditional vine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of ripe fruit with cooked plums, figs and bark. Also some mahogany and Chinese spice box. It's full-bodied with firm, juicy tannins and a hint of wood and spice on the finish." James Suckling

"The nose of this Etna rosso shows stones, fresh mixed berries and new leather shoes, while the juicy but savoury palate has notes of grilled meat, olives and crushed stones before wild strawberries and raspberries creep in. The rounded juiciness is contrasted by a backbone of acidity that keeps the finish dynamic." Wine Enthusiast

"Crushed stones, spicy herbs, dusty roses, dried cherries, hints of blood orange and camphor - all these are found when the 2017 Rosso Guardiola whisks the taster away to the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. It is surprisingly juicy and cool on the palate, with a stimulating acidity that counteracts the intense wave of dark red fruit that washes over the palate. A layer of grippy tannins and a balancing inner sweetness allow the 2017 to finish remarkably long, leaving violet flowers and mineral tones that linger for up to a minute. Alta Mora has captured the essence of Guardiola, though intensified by the warm vintage." Vinous

Contrada Rampante with a finely woven bouquet of dark red cherries, flowers, mint and liquorice. Fresh and lively on the palate, with a memorable blend of ethereal sweetness, filigree acidity and interesting salinity. A contemplative drop that requires a certain amount of experience and patience to be fully discovered. Pre-Phylloxera = from rootless vines! SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh and dried cranberries, lemon peel, fresh mushrooms and bark. Smoky. It’s medium-bodied with firm yet fine, silky tannins and intense, juicy flavors. Long finish. Delicious." James Suckling

The red Archineri from Nerello Mascalese grapes is full of character and elegant. Very refined bouquet of currants and wild berries, plus a hint of dog roses, stone fruit and ethereal aromas. Very exquisite, very juicy, tasty and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny garnet with copper accent in the rim. Pronounced scent of dried raspberries, cranberry jam, some white pepper and wet stone. Tightens up with fine-meshed tannin, crisp freshness, harmonious in attack and course, very fresh in the drink, keeps coming." Falstaff

"Aromas of woodland berry, Mediterranean scrub, camphor and oak-driven spice shape the nose on this fragrant red. On the tight palate, firm acidity accompanies raspberry jam, orange zest, vanilla and licorice. Firm, grainy tannins leave a puckering, drying close. Give the tannins a few years more years to relax a bit then drink." Wine Enthusiast

The Nerello grapes (100% Mascalese) come from the northern slope of Etna from plots of the Contrada Dafara Galluzzo in the Rovittello district. Opens in a delicate ruby red, the nose then fine, heady, spicy, it reveals a pretty basket of red fruits after a few minutes of aeration. Initially closed on the palate, it only gradually reveals its flavour facets, then medium pressure in the middle, at the same time very finely structured and with almost Burgundian finesse and elegance. The finish is harmonious and of excellent length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright red; flowery, inviting; delicate approach, very fine wine, round, fine tartness, drinky, pleases well." Merum

"Bright, light garnet red with orange reflections. Lots of red fruit on the nose, slightly herbaceous in the finish. Juicy and fresh on the palate, with traction and elegance, well balanced, long final, still has a lot of potential." Falstaff

"This expressive red wine begins with an overtone of tarry minerals and sage, a fragrant thread that winds through flavours of baked raspberries and currants with hints of red liquorice and spiced orange peel. Dense tannins pull the flavour profile together towards the firm, mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"Dusty florals combine with black raspberries and clove as the 2020 Etna Rosso Contrada Dafara Galluzzo smolders up from the glass. This is soothingly soft and supple on the palate, based on the purity of the fruit. Mineral underpinnings add tactile grip. It finishes perfumed and structured, with edgy tannins that pinch at the cheeks as strawberry and balsam herbs nuances resonate. Patience will be required for this lovely Etna Rosso to come into focus fully." Vinous

"Lively and red-fruited with aromas of cranberries, sour cherries, dried herbs, mushrooms and orange peel. Medium-bodied with fine, powdery tannins. Limey and stony finish. Tightly wound. Better after 2023." James Suckling

The grapes for this fine white from the north side of Etna come from the 3 ha Contrada Muganazzi in the municipality of Passopisciaro. The skeletal and ph-neutral soils are rich in iron and nitrogen and offer ideal conditions for fresh, acidic and mineral white wines. The wine is aged in equal parts in wood and stainless steel for 12 months on the fine lees. Muganazzi is neither a lean wine, nor is it too full-bodied. It is somewhere in between, with thick layers of peach, apricot and lots of fresh citrus. The mineral notes of gravel, flint and volcanic ash are very evident. An elegant, powerful Carricante with great drinking flow that clearly shows the signature of the sensitive Alberto Graci. SUPERIORE.DE

"Carricante from the Contrada of the same name on Etna: flower of peach and citrus; in the mouth elegant with salty minerality, finely chiselled and yet with character the long finish." Vinum

"Leafy and smoky notes on the nose, with papaya, pineapple and toffee. Medium-bodied, ripe and tropical, balanced by tangy acidity. Oily finish." James Suckling

"Here is an exciting new addition to Graci's portfolio. The 2020 Etna Bianco Muganazzi (with only 2,800 bottles) is a pure Carricante, aged in both stainless steel and large oak barrels. The Muganazzi is particularly fruity, showing aromas of melon and stone fruit that add creaminess to the wine's medium-bodied texture. On the finish, it shows an interesting firmness with a pronounced freshness." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Etna Bianco Muganazzi holds my attention firm with a richly elegant mix of ripe peaches, cracked slate, cardamom and subtle nuances of lemony custard. It’s soft-textured and round in feel, coming across as almost oily at times, yet with a mineral and citrus-tinged core that keeps the wine wildly fresh. Lime zest, spice and almond paste linger incredibly long through the lightly structured finale. The palate is left remarkably refreshed and watering for more. If tasted blind, I may have called this new single-vineyard Carricante a village-level white Burgundy. What an exciting wine to taste." Vinous

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

Riesling from Etna? Initially an experiment, admittedly. But it can truly be called successful and great: the latest offspring of Planeta's Etna family with a delicate pale colour with green reflections; on the nose with a great variety of aromas such as white apple, plum, lemon and yellow flowers. Perfectly dry on the palate, with mild acidity, fine minerality and (especially with increasing maturity) pronounced fruitiness and beguiling depth and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"This has plenty of citrus zest, orange blossom, acacia honey and pomelo. Medium-bodied with sharp acidity and a citrusy, floral palate. Dry yet honeyed character. Delicious finish." James Suckling

Fantastic Etna crescendo from vines up to 60 years old from a small single vineyard with wonderfully balanced iodine and citrus flavours. Softly flowing on the palate, profound in flavour, the fine acidity, inner sweetness and delicate woody notes are well integrated into the overall concept designed for a long ageing period. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of honeysuckle and cut lemon with some crushed stone. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture and focused phenolics that add nice texture and length. Some flint on the finish." James Suckling

"This cru bottling from vines in Randazzo is youthfully creamy and offers little flavour other than that of the wood in which it has rested, along with stony patches of mango and peach. This Carricante is full, concentrated and highly acidic. It has enough earthy yellow fruit - such as pineapple, nectarine and yellow plum - to underpin its stony and acidic backbone; a vertical yet full style that will gain power and weight with age. Impressive." Decanter

"With a bouquet like chiseling through sheer limestone with all of the smoky and flinty nuances that come with it, the 2022 Etna Bianco Le Vigne Niche Calderara Sottana is impossible to ignore. It’s silky upon entry yet quickly builds with mineral tension. A savory, sweet interplay of citrus and spice offsets ripe nectarines and apricots. The 2022 leaves the palate reeling with youthful tension and watering for more as it finishes with outstanding freshness. This may not be the longest-lived Calderara Sottana Bianco, yet there’s no rush. It’s a total charmer." Vinous

For some years now, Matteo Catania has been holding back a few hundred bottles of his wines in the best vintages in order to offer them to his most loyal importers after a few years. From this "private reserve" comes Neromaccarj 2010, which is now - in spring 2023 - offered in small quantities with 9 years of further bottle ageing quasi in Riserva quality.

Dark colour, beautiful bouquet of Mediterranean herbs and balsamic notes, ripe, fruity morello cherry and date fruit, rich in silky tannins, that's how it is, the magnificent and expressive Nero d'Avola single-vineyard wine Neromaccarj. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby with bright violet glints. Multi-layered and inviting nose, smells of dried tomatoes, fresh plums and blackberries, also sandalwood and pepper. Lots of juicy, present fruit on the palate, fresh and crisp, then opens with fine-grained tannin, salty and persistent on the final." Falstaff

"Gulfi's wines are characterized by thick concentration, dark extraction and full throttle aromas. The 2010 Neromàccarj shows all of those qualities in ample doses. You really get a sense of the hot Sicilian summer as you contemplate the bouquet. Sweet cherry and ripe blackberry are the dominant aromas. Dig deeper and subtle tones of grilled herb, licorice and crushed mineral also begin to appear. These aromas build in intensity as the wine takes on more air in the glass. The tannins are soft and the finish is long." Wine Advocate

Complex aroma profile of dried apple, pear, camomile, exotic fruits and ash. Full of grace on the palate, dry, fruity and intense, a delicate acidity and fine minerality lend freshness. A very elegant and attractive white wine from Etna with good potential and a never-ending experience factor: every sip opens up new facets of this completely enchanting wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dusty and savoury with an airy scent of lemon leaves, it is intense and bright in the mouth. Crisp green apple, some yellow plum, peach, peppery spice and a lovely juiciness lead to a savoury, pithy finish." Decanter

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Nerina is a real pleasure. It exudes a tropically inspired yet refined bouquet of fresh mangoes, bananas, mint leaves and sweet smoke. It has a soft and round texture with ripe yellow stone fruit. A dash of candied lemon gives it a nice spiciness. The finish is quite mineral, almost crisp, with citrus and kiwi notes. The 2022 is almost too simple to like, but the balance is just right." Vinous

"Nerina is one of my favourite white wines from Etna, especially when drunk young and fresh. The Bianca Nerina 2022 is particularly crisp and bright with a polished, glossy feel. Flavours of citrus, white peach and honey come to the fore. To be honest, I've never been able to keep a bottle long enough to trace its evolution." Wine Advocate

"This wine is perfumed with notes of citrus blossom and citrus leaf as well as white peach and chalky soil. Beautiful texture with medium body and lively, penetrating acidity. Smooth and delicious with a refreshing, minty finish." James Suckling

For some years now, Matteo Catania has been holding back a few hundred bottles of his wines in the best vintages in order to offer them to his most loyal importers after a few years. From this "private reserve" comes Neromaccarj 2011, which is now - in spring 2023 - offered in small quantities with 8 years of further bottle ageing quasi in Riserva quality.

Dark colour, beautiful bouquet of Mediterranean herbs and balsamic notes, ripe, fruity morello cherry and date fruit, rich in silky tannins, that's how it is, the magnificent and expressive Nero d'Avola single-vineyard wine Neromaccarj. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2011 Neromàccarj is the wine that, in my opinion, best encompasses the overall winemaking philosophy at Gulfi. Like the other Nero d'Avola selections presented, this wine boasts a super enriched and concentrated style. On top of black fruit and cherry marmalade, the bouquet offers Teriyaki, barbecue smoke and asphalt-like aromas. Neromàccarj presents a more balanced and complete picture because its large bulk is spread evenly in proportioned elements. In other words, the opulence of the bouquet is perfectly matched to the large footprint left on the finish." Wine Advocate

Guardiola, a cru from Nerello Mascalese, shows the typical elegant flavour of volcanic soils. Fine raspberry fruit, gentle acidity and silky tannins, full and ripe, but never too full-bodied. A modern wine from a traditional vine. SUPERIORE.DE

"A dusty mixture of balsamic herbs, menthol, dark chocolate and dried black cherries characterise the 2019 Etna Rosso Guardiola. It is surprisingly soft and enveloping, but quickly gains tension. Salty minerals and exotic spices complicate the tart red berry fruits. The finish is still a little chewy and tannic, with a residual acidity that balances while a bitter balsamic hint fades. Patience is required." Vinous

"A pretty serious expression from Guardiola, showing a unique peppery flavour with lots of dark minerals, sweet spices and tar. Also savoury berries and dried orange peel. Full-bodied on the palate with flattering, integrated tannins that give it a full, dense body. Long and spicy finish." James Suckling

"The nose starts with sweet, bright aromas of strawberries and raspberries, then turns savoury and wild with notes of tar, earth and herbs. On the palate, a gentle floral note makes the fruit elements sweeter and more delicate, but the earthy tones linger while the acidity pushes against a curtain of refined tannins." Decanter

"It shows fragrant red fruits, black cherry and earth, with some peppery spice. Dense, flavoursome and grippy with fresh acidity, the palate shows some lovely dark fruits and a chewy finish lifted by its inherent freshness." Decanter

"A pure Nerello Mascalese, with notes of undergrowth alternating with a crisp freshness. Blackcurrant on the nose, with a hint of pepper leaf, taut on the palate, spicy, with great length on the palate, with a fruity-official return." Luca Gardini

Here comes a fairly new single-vineyard wine, similar in style to Santo Spirito, but with an "autumnal" component. Light ruby red, gravel, vanilla and a subtle hint of mint on the nose, plus some cranberry and cherry. Then fresh and exciting on the palate with a sweet and sour component and a delicate bitter vein. Compact tannin that certainly deserves a few more years of bottle ageing. The final is herbaceous, spicy and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is the third vintage made by Tenuta delle Terre Nere as a vineyard-designate wine, although Moganazzi has been farmed since 2009. The 2020 Etna Rosso Moganazzi shows a fun trajectory with grippy fruit tannins that lean into silky sensations over the palate. In fact, an appropriate word to describe this wine is caressing. The bouquet offers bright cassis, herb, flower and crushed stone. This site is located between Passopisciaro and Solicchiata at 700 to 730 meters in elevation. It offers a bit more volume and concentration in terms of mouthfeel." Wine Advocate

"It shows dark cherries, dried flowers, bitter cocoa, slate, nutmeg and mocha. It is medium to full-bodied with firm, creamy and very well integrated tannins. A lot of power. And yet everything under control. Long lasting. Only 4,000 bottles. Already fantastic, but even better after 2023." James Suckling

Wonderful single-vineyard Nerello from the north side of Etna at an altitude of 750 metres. Cherry and small wild strawberries on the nose. Very clearly accentuated and fresh flavour, acidity and tannin in perfect harmony and well integrated. Long finish with impressive elegance and freshness. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant ruby red colour. On the nose, hints of mustard seeds, dried rose petals, raspberries, ripe cherries and delicately resinous tones, reminiscent of plaster on the finish. Hearty on the palate with tightly woven tannins, powerful, stony, with a polished red fruit final, currently still somewhat unbalanced." Falstaff

"Herbal and summer meadow scents accompany balsamic red and black cherries, while in the mouth it's earthy and floral, with a juicy sapidity of ripe red fruits, a soft, silky mid-palate and fine, integrated tannins. Vertical and elegant, it finishes with some lavender and milk chocolate on the finish." Decanter

"It has flavours of strawberry, orange peel, raspberry and chocolate orange, with some oyster shells. It is medium-bodied and flavoursome with firm, fine-grained tannins. Subliminal mineral restraint. It is just opening up." James Suckling

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo is dense and concentrated with volcanic tones of scorched earth and dark fruit. The wine has a bright primary side of crushed cherries and blueberries, and it fills out nicely across the palate thanks to the mid-weight texture of this supple fruit. Floral notes of rose and iris are also evident. This vintage has something to offer now, and it will offer even more for those who choose to wait." Wine Advocate

Fresh white from old vines with invigorating citrus scent and notes of mint, rich of tropical fruits, taut and firm, with elegant mineral note on the palate, with fine polish and high complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright shining light gold. In the nose expressive notes of citrus fruits, candied zest, some grapefruit, in addition fine floral nuances, as well as clear on wet stone. Radiant on the palate with a fine creamy texture, showing racy mineral undertones, salty on the final." Falstaff

"Complex nose with aromas of flint, smoked almonds, lemon peel, white apricots and spiced pears. Medium-bodied with phenolic bite and lively acidity. Spicy and energetic on the finish." James Suckling

"From Contrada Arcuria in Passopisciaro on the north side of Mount Etna at an altitude of 600-700 metres, this 100% Carricante is vinified partly in cement tanks and partly in large oak barrels. The wine is then aged on its lees in barrel for 12 months and then in bottle for a further 12 months. It is rich, dense and powerful, with a mineral taste of peach and flowers." Decanter

"With just 4,000 bottles produced, the 2020 Etna Bianco Arcurìa starts off in stainless steel but comes together with aging in large oak casks. The wine is marked by medium-rich texture, some crisp structure and plenty of refreshing aromas of citrus, white peach and crushed oyster shell. Alberto Graci's careful winemaking style imparts very delicate background notes of clove and cinnamon." Wine Advocate