Nerello

Tasca was involved in Etna at an early stage and the latest result of this many years of experience are four new single vineyard wines from the Tascante winery: Contrada Rampante, Pianodario, Sciaranuova and Sciaranuova Vigna Vecchia (V.V.). The wines are filigree and profound, and despite their strength, acidity and tight tannin very elegant, rich in finesse and light-footed on the palate. Each of the four plots brings a slightly different style and personality to the wine due to the altitude, soil and morphology of the historical lava flows. A high annual rainfall secures all water reserves for the soil, and the temperature fluctuations between day and night support the variety of aromas of the grapes and ultimately the ripening potential.

The Pianodario plot is situated at an average altitude of 775 metres above sea level between the hamlet of Montelaguardia and Randazzo. It covers an area of about 8 hectares of vineyards. The soils are of volcanic origin and up to 40,000 years old. SUPERIORE.DE

"One of three new single-vineyard wines introduced by Tasca's Tascante, the 2016 Etna Rosso Contrada Pianodario comes from the western-most parcel located between Montelaguardia and Randazzo. These are relatively new vines, planted in 2010, in soils representing various lava flows, the oldest in 1646 and the newest in 1981. This is a bright and accessible wine with pretty tones of wild berry and dried pomegranate followed by candied orange and pressed violets. It will no doubt be exciting to follow this wine as those vines get, proverbially speaking, older and wiser. Some 5,000 bottles were made." Wine Advocate

Tasca got involved in Etna early on and the latest result of these years of experience are four new single vineyard wines from the Tascante estate: Contrada Rampante, Pianodario, Sciaranuova and Sciaranuova Vigna Vecchia (V.V.). The wines are delicate and profound, and despite their power, acidity and taut tannin, very elegant, finesse-rich and light-footed on the palate. Each of the four plots brings a slightly different style and personality to the wine - due to the altitude, soil composition and morphology of the historic lava flows. A high annual rainfall ensures that the soil has all the water it needs, and the temperature fluctuations between day and night support the aromatic diversity of the grapes and ultimately the ripening potential.

The Sciaranuova parcel is situated at an average altitude of 730 metres above sea level between the villages of Montelaguardia and Passopisciaro. It covers an area of about 4.9 hectares of vineyards. The soils are of volcanic origin and up to 40,000 years old. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby and the most youthful looking of the four single-contrade wines of this vintage. Quite deep red-fruit nose with hints of bacon and a note of oak. This is the one that is the most obviously oaked. Wonderful succulent fruit with a bit of oak that supports rather than distracts. Serious grainy tannins and a little demanding and still a little rough, but extremely fine-perfumed fruit finish." Jancis Robinson

"Good full red. Deep musky, ripe red cherry and strawberry aromas are characterized by a mineral undertone. Then also mineral on entry, but turns just slightly tough in the middle and on the long back end that features similar flavors to the aromas. There's good sweetness here, and the stony nuances add further lightness of being to what is essentially a medium-bodied, easygoing red wine." Vinous

"Lovely nose of wild berry, autumn leaves and tar noted aroma. Crunchy red berry texture, grippy with soft woody notes." Decanter

"The 2016 Etna Rosso Contrada Sciaranuova is made with fruit from vines planted in 2008 at 730 meters above sea level. This is a classic expression from Etna with an even dose of wild berry, rose, mineral and spice. This wine shows an attractive level of balance and harmony, and I am especially attracted to those distinctive volcanic or mineral tones that frame this delicate, almost fragile wine. This Etna Rosso is mostly aged in large Slavonian oak casks, but a small part goes into 300-liter tonneaux. This adds a bit more volume and girth to the finish. Production is 5,000 bottles." Wine Advocate

This elegant and very harmonious red comes 100% from the small vineyard (Contrada) Cavaliere on the south-west slope of Mount Etna. The vineyards in the municipality of Santa Maria di Licodìa develop at a considerable altitude (approx. 900 metres above sea level) with favourable conditions for all indigenous varieties, both red and white grapes, which are cultivated here with Guyot pruning. Here, both the Nerello and the Carricante grape varieties produce wines with a well-defined structure and typical varietal flavours.

Brilliant ruby red colour. Ethereal bouquet full of spice and hints of red fruit. Medium-bodied on the palate, multi-layered and with a fine acid wire tannins and acid wire that complete its elegance and harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

"Firm, somewhat Mediterranean-herbal aroma of black and red berries with cherry nuances, hints of leather, dried mushrooms and peppery, ethereal spice. Ripe, taut, very juicy, rather dark fruit with cocoa and coffee notes, crumbly-sandy, ripe tannin, some bite, persistent and dense on the palate, again dark ethereal spice, has power and some warmth, but also a certain elegance, good depth, salty mineral tones, very good, firm, juicy and spicy finish." Wein-Plus

"Initially sober and earthy, with dark fruits and fine tannins, it opens up with a little air to reveal intense, powerful black cherries, herbs, balsam and spices, balanced by good acidity. This wine definitely needs time to reveal its secrets." Decanter

"A well-spiced red, with minerally hints of iron and tar underscoring macerated cherry and strawberry fruit. Bright and tightly meshed, with a dense core of tannins emerging to firm the fragrant, herb-laced finish." Wine Spectator

"Fresh flowers with oranges, black cherries and blackberries. Very clear flavours. Subtle and complex. Full-bodied but not heavy with firm and structured tannins. Powerful and muscular, but still very agile. It still needs three or four years to develop, but is already impressive." James Suckling

"The nose is a beach flora, wild fruits and herbs grow between the cracks of the salt-encrusted rocks. The palate leans into the metallic, savoury notes, but cherries, fizzy acidity and a latent warmth provide balance." Wine Enthusiast

"The Benanti 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Cavaliere is powerful and bright with lots of primary fruit reminiscent of raspberry and redcurrant with a hint of white pepper. This vintage delivers a very clean and immediate quality of fruit that is crisp, snappy and even crunchy in texture. The winemaking style is focused and very precise. It will be interesting to see where this wine develops in three to four years' time. The way it tastes today, it definitely needs more time in the bottle." Wine Advocate

Benanti's new red comes 100% from the Monte Serra vineyard (Contrada) and from 13-100 year old Nerello Mascalese vines. The maximum production per year is just 6,000 bottles. It delights with its lively flavour and silky texture with beautiful cassis notes, enormous energy and terrificminerality and ends with a wonderfully long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clear, more red than black berry nose with nutty aromas, some dried flowers, a hint of tobacco, hints of tar and tomato essence. Ripe, tart, juicy, firm, yet transparent fruit, restrained nutty flavours, some cocoa and pepper, herbal nuances, a certain acid bite and ripe, fine, quite present tannins, persistent on the palate, lots of salt, tobacco and smoky nuances, very good, firm finish." Wein-Plus

"The wine is ruby red in colour and exudes an earthy aroma of red fruits and spices. It has a nice acidity, with chocolaty red fruits in the mouth, accompanied by a lot of spice that leads to a long woody, balsamic finish." Decanter

"A lightly chewy, medium-bodied red, with sun-dried cherry, rich loamy earth, grilled herb and mocha notes that are finely meshed with silky tannins. Echoes tar and spice accents on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The Etna Rosso Contrada Monte Serra 2021 is dusty, floral and yet delicate. It smells of red fruits and spices with hints of rose. It flows easily over the palate, soft and round, gaining traction through a core of mineral, tart cherry and strawberry flavours. A crisp cranberry lingers along with edgy tannins and a hint of residual acidity that provides a lovely freshness. This is a beautiful interpretation of Monte Serra." Vinous

"The Benanti 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Monte Serra (with fruit from the Viagrande side of the volcano) shows a floral and slightly more fragrant side of Nerello Mascalese. It is packed with red berries and small background details reminiscent of volcanic rock, mountain herbs and dried lavender. On the palate, the wine is straightforward and linear with very fine and dusty tannins." Wine Advocate

"Fine garnet red colour. Animating, elegant aroma of cherry and redcurrant, fresh herbs, spicy aftertaste. Strong structure on the palate, noticeable acidity and present tannins, powerful, fruity final." Falstaff

"Aromas of strawberries and cherries emerge first on the nose, but savoury notes of herbs, spices, earth and stone soon follow. The savoury elements unfold on the palate, which is built on a foundation of salty, fleshy flavours, but a citrus tone underlines the fruit of the nose, while the acidity escalates on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Aromas of fresh plums, peaches and nectarines with some lemon blossom. Some caramel. Full-bodied yet unobtrusive with wonderfully finely structured tannins that spread openly across the palate. Oranges at the end with some candied lemons." James Suckling

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

"Quite light red; shrubby-fruity, appealing; subtle jammy fruit, sweetness, quite tart, not dry tannin." Merum

"Here is a submission from Benanti, which comes from a rather unknown contrada. The 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Dafara Galluzzo is located in Castiglione di Sicilia on the north side of the volcano. The wine shows a medium-light appearance with spicy volcanic notes of ash and bonfire, surrounded by delicate fruit, sour cherry and cassis. The wine has fine tannins with dusty impressions resulting from the volcanic environment. This gives the wine an approachable personality." Wine Advocate

"Aromatic and bright with notes of orange peel and watermelon, but also some cherry. Medium-bodied, with firm and medium-soft tannins that are long and flattering." James Suckling

"The 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Dafara Galluzzo is exotic and floral, with hints of ash stone and dusty rose that fade into dried black cherries. Silky and smooth, it flows across the palate with a pure blend of red and blue fruits, fuelled by juicy acidity. The final is structured and long, yet perfumed, allowing violet and lavender tones to fade away on a bed of fine-grained tannins. The Dafara Galluzzo is a real charmer for which further ageing is recommended." Vinous

"The bouquet is restrainedly sweet, with dried cherries and fresh and preserved oranges supported by vanilla and baking spice notes, while herbs and earth provide a savoury balance. The blend of cherries, oranges and baking spices continues on the palate, like a warm pastry, before a tart, salty and peppery finish." Wine Enthusiast

Deep red colour. Captivating aromas of sweet cherry, crushed rock and violet. Juicy, supple and perfumed, it shows excellent vinosity in the complex, very precise flavours of plums, sour cherries and dried herbs. Fine-grained tannins and a beautiful, persistent aromatic flavour characterise the long, very pure finish. Firm tannins form the backbone of this finely modelled, chiselled Nerello Mascalese and spicy notes frame the bright, powerful finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of cherries, oranges and flowers with a hint of smoke. Medium to full-bodied with plush, open and velvety tannins that caress the palate. It is juicy and full of flavour. Tantalising to taste even as a young wine, but it will be even better in two or three years." James Suckling

"From the most recent acquisition of the winery in the municipality of Castiglione, on the northern slope of Mount Etna, a Nerello Mascalese of great freshness and verticality. Notes of cranberry on the nose, hints of laurel, then Mediterranean scrub and nutmeg, salty and savoury on the palate, with a fruity and oily finish." Luca Gardini

Animanaturale from vines over 60 years old is the lightest and freshest wine from the new Animaetna line of the small garage winery Contrada Santa Spirito, which belongs to Feudo Maccari. Matured almost entirely in amphorae, the Nerello Mascalese grape presents itself here in all its fruitiness and freshness, completely unadulterated and pure. The grapes are foot-pressed, spontaneous fermentation takes place using the grapes' own yeasts, racking and bottling take place according to the phases of the moon. On the palate, the flavours of red fruits and berries are tangy and vibrant with a precise and very mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Etna Rosso in light ruby and with a fine bouquet of raspberries, herbs, orange peel and flint. Firm, straightforward taste. Mineral hints corresponding to the terroir. Silky tannins and a fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Warm light red; fruity, fine ripeness, deep; juicy, fine tart attack, depth, then pronounced length with powerful tannin." Merum

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Arcuria is smoky and earthy in style, wafting up with vivid aromatics, featuring freshly picked strawberries, plum skins, rose hips and wet stone. This is texturally deep, silky-smooth and more savory than sweet, with mineral-infused red and hints of blue fruit, as well as balsam herbs that resonate toward the close. It finishes lightly structured with a minty freshness, as well as with a bitter tinge of cherry pits and spice. The 2019 Arcuria is so pretty today that it’s hard to recommend cellaring; yet with the balance on display here, the chances are that it will only get better over time." Vinous

Tasca got involved in Etna early on and the latest result of these years of experience are four new single vineyard wines from the Tascante estate: Contrada Rampante, Pianodario, Sciaranuova and Sciaranuova Vigna Vecchia (V.V.). The wines are filigree and profound, and despite their power, acidity and taut tannin, very elegant, finesse-rich and light-footed on the palate. Each of the four plots brings a slightly different style and personality to the wine - due to the altitude, soil composition and morphology of the historic lava flows. A high annual rainfall ensures that the soil has all the water it needs, and the temperature fluctuations between day and night support the aromatic diversity of the grapes and ultimately the ripening potential.

The Contrada Rampante parcel is situated at an average altitude of 740 metres above sea level between Solicchiata and Passopisciaro. It covers an area of just 4.6 hectares of vineyards. The soils are of volcanic origin and up to 15,000 years old. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante is remarkably pretty, wafting up from the glass with dusty rose and cherry complicated by ashen stone. It soothes with its silky textures and ripe red berry fruits. Vibrant acidity maintains a lovely energy throughout. Fine tannins linger, flexing its youthful structure as the 2019 finishes potent yet fresh and wonderfully perfumed. This is a beautiful interpretation of Rampante fruit." Vinous

"Aromas of ash, baked strawberry and roasted herbs. Medium to full-bodied with silky tannins. Mineral, with some spicy herbal character, but it remains pleasantly red-fruited throughout. Very complex and balanced." James Suckling

"The Tenuta Tascante 2019 Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante takes a little longer to open up aromatically compared to some of the other wines in this impressive series from Etna. This initial shyness quickly melts away as the wine takes on more air and intensity in the glass. It shows aromas of wild cherry, rosemary or Mediterranean herbs and pressed violet. You get a good impression of the incredibly fine and articulate nature of Nerello Mascalese, especially when the grape is handled with a restrained winemaking style. There is a salty or mineral note on the finish." Wine Advocate

The Cru San Lorenzo, which is strictly limited in each vintage, comes from 4 hectares of vineyards in the district of the same name in the town of Randazzo. The vines are over 70 years old and grow around 750 metres above sea level; the soil consists almost exclusively of fine volcanic sand. The terroir in the small Contrada San Lorenzo was created by lava flows and deposits of volcanic origin that were formed between 60,000 and 15,000 years ago. This exceptional wine is particularly rich, fruity and has very soft tannins that make it velvety and luscious on the palate and ensure a never-ending finish. Magnificent! SUPERIORE.DE

"Mineral on the nose, with accents of stones, smoke and fresh earth, which merge into an expressive bouquet of ripe wild strawberries, cherry ice cream, dried thyme, graphite and fresh pepper on the full-bodied, creamy palate." Wine Spectator

"The 2021 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo seduces with a fragrant blend of roses, sour cherries, mandarins and a hint of cinnamon. This is pure elegance, lifted and refined, with dazzling acidity and a wave of pure, mineral fruit that crackles and pops on the palate. It is complex but truly delicious and retains its marvellous energy, even when a web of fine-grained tannins reminds the taster of its youthful state. Even today, the San Lorenzo 2021 is dreamlike and an absolute pleasure. That means the future remains very bright." Vinous

"This wine shows a very attractive, savoury character with red cherries and raspberries, accompanied by dried summer herbs, candied oranges and red spices. Also dry earth. Medium to full-bodied. Very even and seamless tannin structure. Refined and polished with a dusty earthiness that leads to a dry, delicate finish." James Suckling

"Intense, bright ruby red in colour with a brighter rim. Fragrant, compact nose, ripe fruit, strawberries and rosehips, followed by thyme and tomatoes as well as a hint of vanilla. Beguiling fruit and pronounced herbal flavours on the palate, precise and highly elegant, salty, great harmony between acidity and tannins, long final." Falstaff

"Fresh, floral and fragrant, it offers wafts of violet and lavender, cocoa, earth and black cherry. In the mouth its fine web of tannins and razor-sharp acidity provide tension for the ripe, balsamic hedgerow fruits to bounce off. Succulent and sapid with a very stony mid-palate, it displays excellent balance and depth, with incredible freshness and staying power." Decanter

Every year, one of the Tenuta's great single-vineyard wines, which represents the special terroir of the Etna hills in a highly complex way. Dark red fruit, orange peel and flowers on the nose. Then juicy fruit, wonderful depth and a finely chiselled tannin structure. A subtle spiciness on the finish and the outstanding structure, length and elegance are always present! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana Vineyard shines from the moment the glass is tipped: Gravel, ash and sweet smoke give way to vibrant black cherries and autumnal spices. The 2021 Etna Rosso is elegant, silky and deeply textured, with salty mineral notes and an abundance of red and black fruits perfectly held by a core of vibrant acidity. The wine is complex yet full of energy and sultry depth, finishing salty and structured, with grippy tannins framing a lingering finish of liquorice and plums. These old vines have coped well with the dryness of the vintage, which is only evident in the hardness of the tannins. Otherwise, the 2021 is pure magic." Vinous

"This wine is more vibrant with red berries, blood oranges, light spices and a hint of terracotta. Medium-bodied, juicy and fruit-driven with tangy acidity and dusty tannins. A hint of bitter orange on the finish. Long and chalky, but now very attractive and enjoyable." James Suckling

"Brilliant ruby red colour with a brighter rim. Delicately fragrant and dynamic on the nose, with lots of floral notes, reminiscent of lavender and violets, some mint, followed by ripe rosehips and cherries. Ripe fruit and plenty of spice on the palate, compact and structured, gripping acidity and rich tannins, long, juicy final." Falstaff

"It offers a deep, full aroma of pure red and black fruits with some violet, spice, balsam and cocoa overtones. Fleshy, succulent and sapid, this is an incredibly beautiful Nerello Mascalese, with purity of red fruits underlined by some spice and stoniness, a hint of salinity and a long, silky, creamy finish. So inviting." Decanter

Just 9,000 bottles make up the annual production of this boutique winery from Etna. At 950 metres above sea level, the one-and-a-half hectares of vines, divided into eight tiny plots, are gradually bought up by the renowned Oenologist. The area is planted with Nerello Mascalese bush vines, which have been spared the phylloxera vine louse and make their way through the lava-covered terraces.

The single vines, which are on average 80 to 100 years old, are cultivated in the traditional, low-bush Alberello style, to which the wine also owes its name. Alberelli di Giodo is of extreme elegance and spiciness and represents to a remarkable degree the minerality and finesse typical of its volcanic growing region. SUPERIORE.DE

"From 2 hectares, the well-known Tuscan Oenologist Carlo Ferrini produces his own Brunello di Montalcino from Podere Giodo as well as a Sicilian red wine from Etna called Albarelli di Giodo. It is made from the local, Burgundy-like grape variety Nerello Mascalese and has the typical delicate colour. Quite fruity and very accessible, the Albarello di Giodo presents itself as an inviting, harmonious interpretation with a sweet, Tuscan touch. Deep, fine and very balanced also in the mouth, the delicate tannins are enveloped by Tuscan-like sweetness." Weinwisser

"Bright, radiant ruby red. In the nose hearty, of rich cherries, wet stone, some black truffle, in addition noble nuances of tea. On the palate radiant and juicy, showing fine creamy nuances, currently also still with very young tannin, in the final with firm grip and pressure." Falstaff

"Dark cherries and dried flowers with pumice and spices on the nose. Medium to full body with tight, firm tannins. Racy, with wonderful depth. From old vines with an average age of 70 years." James Suckling

"The Alberelli di Giodo 2019 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese is a wine true to its volcanic roots. This elegant grape variety reveals a tight embroidery of aromas with wild rose, sour cherry, white pepper and campfire ash. The tannins are polished and long, and this deftly made Nerello Mascalese is endowed with plenty of natural freshness and tart berry flavors that drive a long, nuanced finish. This is another super star bottle from winemaker Carlo Ferrini." Wine Advocate

Brilliant, brightening ruby-garnet colour. Spicy notes of wild berries, liquorice, flint and traces of thyme on the nose. Beguiling extract sweetness on the palate, with a juicy and racy freshness and fine, tight tannins. Fine salty components on the final, already very polished and supple with further interesting ageing potential. Around 4,000 bottles were bottled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Captivating minerals, white pepper, mezcal, orange peel and a wild, sulphurous flavour. Really juicy and broad on the palate with firm, powdery tannins that dissolve in the long, savoury finish." James Suckling

"The nose is full of bright, energetic notes of cherry, strawberry and blood orange, but undertones of sage and pencil shavings provide depth and nuance. On the palate, a crackle of pepper unveils the bitterness of the orange notes, while textured tannins and bright acid bolster the citrus sourness." Wine Enthusiast

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, delicate acidity and an interesting salty note. A contemplative wine that requires a certain amount of experience and patience in order to fully discover itself and its deliciousness. Pre-Phylloxera = from ungrafted vines! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Pietradolce 2019 Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante has an almost sweet bouquet with fragrant roses, candied almonds and wild berries. The wine is lean and taut in texture and finishes with fine tannins and subtle mineral nuances. The vines are planted at 850 metres above sea level and in this case, too, they are old plants from before the phylloxera plague. Only 4,000 bottles were released." Wine Advocate

"Dark and brooding, the 2019 Etna Rosso Rampante evolves slowly, with crushed ash stone and savoury grilled herbs balancing the dried black cherries. It's silky and refined, with a polished wave of ripe red and black fruit carried by vibrant acidity. A hint of sour citrus adds a pleasing punctuation towards the finish. Although the 2019 is only slightly tannic, it finishes with a youthful tension. A hint of primary concentration and a bitter hint of blackberry linger throughout. The power of the Rampante is on full display here, but you need patience to savour it." Vinous

"Full of ripe wild strawberry and black cherry scents. The palate is muscular but with a beautifully tight and mineral mid-palate, fresh and energetic, showcasing ripe blueberry and a hint of chocolate on the long finish." Decanter

The red Archineri from Nerello Mascalese grapes is full of character and elegance. A very refined bouquet of redcurrants and wild berries, with a hint of dog rose, stone fruit and ethereal aromas. Very exquisite, very juicy, flavoursome and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"On the nose, there are aromas of undergrowth, scorched earth and cedar wood together with a hint of blue flowers and Mediterranean herbs. Powerful and straightforward, the elegantly structured palate offers hints of dried cherry and liquorice. Taut, fine-grained tannins give it grip." Wine Enthusiast

"A bright and vibrant red colour with fresh red berries and some dry mineral notes. Medium body with a firm grip and firm tannins. Crisp finish. As always, a good introduction to Etna Rosso." James Suckling

"The Pietradolce 2019 Etna Rosso Archineri, made from Nerello Mascalese from old vines from before the phylloxera plague, shows a beautiful balance with wild fruits, sour cherry, rosemary, lavender and crushed volcanic rock. The wine is relatively lean in texture, but also shows a distinct tannic structure and power." Wine Advocate

"This is a fresh and elegant expression of Mascalese with an almost balsamic quality allied to black cherry and pepper. There's a touch of chocolate on the finish, while fine tannins lend their support throughout." Decanter

Bright ruby red colour. Fine bouquet with aromas of red cherries, raspberries, savoury herbs and flint. Then rich and ripe in the mouth, with harmonious, peppery acidity that gives the red and black fruit flavours lift and support. Very complex in the further course, with enormous juiciness and the power and persistence for a very respectable finish and a long life. Only 1,200 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"On the nose, there are mainly aromas of earth, tar, undergrowth and soy sauce, but also tart fruit notes that add a certain spiciness. On the palate, a pinch of salt and pepper as well as strong tannins and acidity ensure that both the slightly metallic earthiness and the tart fruit elements develop into a multi-layered tapestry." Wine Enthusiast

"Pale to medium ruby-garnet colour. Very mineral nose with gravel, iron, some bitter orange, wild herbs and savoury berries. Huge tannins and high acidity on an austere palate with a full body and a mineral finish. Lots of tension here and yet elegant. A mineral and rather Barolo-like Etna Rosso." James Suckling

Sparkling ruby. Earthy notes, some truffle, pomegranate, then lots of blackberry. Round and supple in the attack and course, opens with fine-meshed tannin, coated with sweet melting, mineral-salty hints in the final, raspberry, some black tea and a firm pressure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid ruby with orange tinges. Crushed cherry with hints of exotic spice, wildflowers and iodine hints. Suave red fruit with supple acidity tied together by finely ground tannins. Closes up - indicating there is more to come." Jancis Robinson

"This red made with 95% Nerello Mascalese and 5% Nerello Cappuccio opens with aromas of mature dark-skinned fruit, pressed violet, scorched soil and camphor notes. Boasting a depth of flavors as well as weightless finesse, the savory, firm palate features juicy morello cherry, black raspberry, star anise, orange zest and licorice. Taut fine-grained tannins give the finish an edge." Wine Enthusiast

"The Graci 2018 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo shows lifted and nice vertical intensity in a vintage that was not always easy across the board. Carefully selected fruit from the Feudo di Mezzo site appears to have overcome the challenges of summer rain and heat. This pretty Etna red reveals aromas of wild berry, plum, candied orange peel and a sprinkling of white pepper. Some volcanic smoke and campfire ash also come into play. The wine shows good intensity on the palate, with dry but integrated tannins." Wine Advocate

Etna Rosso with a light ruby colour and a fine bouquet of raspberries, herbs, orange peel and flint. Firm, straightforward flavour. Mineral notes in keeping with the terroir. Silky tannins and a fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light red; fresh, red-fruity, raspberry jam, very inviting; red fruit already at the beginning, lots of tannin, subtly tart, very nice wine, long." Merum

"There's a slight hint of farmyard among the pure cherry fruit and orange peel aromas, while in the mouth it's intense and bright with a saline and balsamic character; vertical and sapid. Chalky tannins and fresh acidity provide structure to this sturdy, ageable red." Decanter

"A beautiful blend of red fruits and spices on the nose, along with a hint of tea. Medium to full-bodied with very fine tannins. Creamy. A beautiful depth of fruit carried effortlessly by the elegant tannin structure. Long lasting finish. Delicious. Best after 2025." James Suckling

"The Graci 2020 Etna Rosso Arcurìa is a very different wine to the Feudo di Mezzo. It has more fruit and a spicy character with blackcurrants, tea leaves, tobacco and perhaps a hint of exotic spices. The tannins are more pronounced here and the concentration of the wine is definitely a notch or two higher in terms of intensity. Contrada Arcurìa is located at an altitude of 650 metres above sea level. Only 5,300 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"Dusty and floral, the Etna Rosso Arcuria 2020 opens slowly with hints of chalk dust and sage that fade into violet pastilles and crushed blackberries. This is pure elegance, silky and refined, with a beautiful inner sweetness and cooling acidity that soothes and invigorates the palate. It finishes savoury and tannic with admirable length, with pretty inner flowers and a hint of bitterness slowly fading. It will take years for the Arcuria to come into its full bloom, but it will be time well spent." Vinous

Passopisciaro's Contrada C is an exquisite red with a dark sensual fruit bouquet. Stylistically like a great Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo, of remarkable intensity on the palate until the lingering final. A muscular and weightless wine at the same time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright shining cherry red with ruby. Small strawberries, redcurrants, juniper berries, slightly loamy, leather spice and black tea on the nose. Builds up lively, with nice pressure, finely woven tannin, very finesse, nevertheless gripping in the back, tactile mineral notes, finishes on a fine salty character." Falstaff

"Scarce medium ruby red. Peppery nose of red fruits, cherry, rhubarb and raspberry with a spicy undertone and hints of oak and tobacco leaf. Wonderful depth and concentration on the palate, with a layer of fine-grained tannins. Real intensity on the finish. A cool climate spirit, despite its 15% alcohol." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Contrada Chiappemacine (C) exudes a dark blend of black cherry and shaved cedar in a hint of ashy smoke. It is round and soothingly textured, with cooling acidity enlivening the mineral red berries and a hint of brown spice. The finish has a mentholated freshness, while the silty tannins linger, leaving the mouth wanting more. It will need minimal ageing to be at its best. The Chiappemacine site is at an altitude of 550 metres and consists of a thin layer of volcanic soils over a limestone bed." Vinous

"Fragrant spice and cedar notes waft from the glass of this graceful red wine, accentuating the finely knit flavours of pureed raspberry, rose and liquorice, matched by slightly chalky tannins that firm up the mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"The Vini Franchetti 2019 Contrada C shows a sweet side with wild cherry and raspberry. Those primary notes are framed by ashy volcanic notes, crushed stone and wildflower. You also get hints of grilled rosemary and dried lavender. Compared to the other single-vineyard wines in this series, Contrada C has a sweeter, slightly more accessible personality. But the tight tannins and streamlined fruit weight promise good aging potential." Wine Advocate

"Weightless, concentrated and delicious, with aromas of camphor, wild berries, rose and wet stone. The full-bodied palate offers crushed raspberries, wild strawberries, cinnamon and star anise before an almost salty finish. Supple tannins provide finesse and polished grip." Wine Enthusiast