Nerello

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

Etna is one of Italy's most fascinating wine regions and Andrea Franchetti is probably the most fanatical producer in this area. Added to this are eighty-year-old indigenous Nerello Mascalese vines. The single vineyard Contrada Porcaria has a thoroughly masculine personality. Darkly scented with ripe fruit and menthol, the palate is predominantly spice and mineral with many other facets. The course and the final are rich, dense and very convincing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, medium ruby red. Deeper nose than the Contrada C with fragrant, concentrated raspberries and hints of crushed black pepper and stones. A racy acidity permeates the spicy-sweet raspberry fruit. Very firm but polished tannic framework that finishes in a chewy raspberry finish. Firm structure." Jancis Robinson

"A dusty and inviting blend of dried roses and cherries is contrasted by hints of ash and smoke as the 2019 Contrada Porcaria (P) blossoms in the glass. It is undeniably elegant, with a velvety texture that lays over the medium-bodied wine, delivering mineral red berry and sweet herbal tones that arch across the palate. It is lightly textured with grippy tannins that tug at the cheeks, but the mouthfeel leaves you wanting more as the pomegranate and plum notes slowly fade away. The Porcaria vineyard sits at 650 metres above sea level, with soils that Passopisciaro describes as "a fragile layer of lava that shatters underfoot". Give this beauty another year to come into its own." Vinous

"Aromas of Mediterranean scrub, eucalyptus, smoky flint and wild berries mingle with dark spice. On the full-bodied palate, bright acidity lifts raspberry compote, liquorice, slate and blood orange. Taut, polished tannins give grip while the warmth of the alcohol lingers on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"A tight-knit red wine that, despite its dense tannic framework, has a lush texture thanks to aromas and flavours of steeped black raspberries and cherries, wild sage, singed orange peel and red liquorice. The wine has good tension, focus and freshness, but the fruit and spice palette and smoky minerality will only fully develop with more time in bottle." Wine Spectator

"The Vini Franchetti 2019 Contrada P shows more concentration and fruit weight compared to some of the other wines in this series of single-vineyard wines. Blackcurrant and dried cherry segue to cola, spice and some lingering balsam herb. The tannins are also tighter here, and this wine has more power and extract all around." Wine Advocate

Sparkling wine aged on the lees in bottle fermentation from 100% Nerello grapes from high altitudes on the southern slopes of Mount Etna. The vines are between 10 and 20 years old and are trained in the cordon system with spur pruning. They stand on sandy, volcanic mineral-rich soils.

Fine salmon pink with ruby reflections. Restrained, fine perlage, intense and delicate bouquet of red fruits. Firm, dry, medium-bodied on the palate, supported by a well-proportioned acidity, with a subtle tannin streak on the finish. Vibrantly fresh and highly distinctive! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sour cherries and savory herbs mingle with nuances of cracked chalk as the 2019 Brut Rosato Metodo Classico Lamorèmio opens in the glass. This washes across the palate with a silken bead of bubbles as pretty inner rose and notes of sour cherry collect toward the close. The 2019 tapers off potent and long, leaving nuances of licorice and a caking of salty minerality. The Lamorèmio, a varietal Nerello Mascalese in sparkling form, is a total pleasure to taste." Vinous

Alongside Fragore, Etna-Cru Donnafugata, named after the Contrada Marchesa vineyard of the same name, is Donnafugata's second top wine from the volcano. Its label is adorned with a volcano goddess decorated with flowers and fruit, next to which is the medieval village of Castiglione di Sicilia. The Nerello vines grow on a lava soil rich in minerals, and the location to the north of the volcano ensures temperate summers with strong temperature fluctuations between day and night.

This single-varietal Nerello presents itself in a light ruby red colour and reveals a generous bouquet of small red berries, spicy notes (cinnamon and black pepper) and undergrowth, followed by balsamic nuances and a delicate mineral vein. On the palate, in addition to its structure, the indescribable balance, convincing freshness and ultra-fine tannins are a delight. This great wine glides aristocratically and full of elegance into a deep finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Exudes a sensual aroma of forest fruits with notes of smoke and sandalwood; pithy on the palate, robust tannins, juicy, compact texture, balanced and long final. Combines character and length." Vinum

"A wine that expresses ripe cherries and raspberries with intense, dusty tannins, earthy depth and a very vertical, mineral palate." Decanter

"The Donnafugata 2019 Etna Rosso Contrada Marchesa offers obvious oak spice, especially at this early stage, and the wine will certainly need more time in bottle, even just another year, to develop. There is dark fruit and blackcurrant, but also cinnamon and sweet nutmeg. The finish is dense and structured." Wine Advocate

Initially, the wines from Etna led a rather shadowy existence; the great potential of the wines, some of which were produced in very small quantities, usually only delighted connoisseurs. Even today, many of the winegrowers are still so-called insider tips, as the wines produced in small quantities hardly appear on the international markets, or only in very homeopathic quantities. Like us here at SUPERIORE.DE, Angelo Gaja recognised the incomparable elegance and class, the minerality and the purist style of the Nerello and Carricante grapes early on and therefore entered into a joint venture with Alberto Graci a few years ago.

The great prestige and undisputed high value of the vineyards, which are up to 100 years old and divided into small parcels at an altitude of up to 1,000 metres, led to the purchase of land on the south-west side of the volcano, which was launched on the market in 2017 with the debut vintage. The project is called "Idda" - the local name for the Etna volcano, to which the locals ascribe a clearly feminine character. Idda Rosso 2018 is now the second vintage from complex, iron- and copper-rich soils at 630 to 820 metres above sea level. Incidentally, these are - how could it be otherwise - among the oldest in the still young Etna DOC region.

Typical ruby red colour with a matt sheen. Well-defined and clean on the nose, with notes of cherry, small, mostly red fruits and a subtle, delicate spiciness. Fresh on the palate, opens wide and finishes with a spicy note and considerable length. The tannins, very well extracted, delicately caress the palate. A wine full of elegance and harmony, with pronounced terroir typicity and recognisable ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Idda 2020 Etna Rosso, the result of the famous joint venture between Gaja and Graci, shows itself in the glass with a deep ruby-red intensity and a lively appearance. The bouquet reveals aromas of dried cherries, blue flowers, ashes from the campfire and grilled rosemary. These are joined by vegetal and floral notes as well as the volcanic flavours that are always characteristic of Etna's red wines. On the palate, the wine is slender and elegant with a nice tannic tension. It is firm without being bitter or powdery." Wine Advocate

"This 2020 is ever-so-slightly smoky with a lovely ripe, fresh scent of plum, cherry and red hedgerow berries. It has a tart attack of wild red fruits, forming the spearhead of a vertical palate which remains bright and tangy yet with a deft softness and suppleness of plum, strawberry and black cherry. Balsamic, stony and mineral, it finishes with a breezy, herbal waft and palate-refreshing acidity which lingers for minutes." Decanter

"Brilliant ruby red with a delicately brightening garnet rim. Expressive nose of raspberries and ripe currants, with fine blood orange, wet stone and some cold smoke. Polished on the palate with a creamy texture, juicy, racy, vibrant, fiery final with slightly perceptible alcohol, long." Falstaff

"Perfumed nose of red berries, spiced cherries, hazelnuts and smoke. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Balanced and round with a silky texture on the mid-palate and volume on the concentrated, long finish. It really grows on the palate. Better after 2024." James Suckling

Sparkling ruby colour. Earthy notes, some truffle, pomegranate, then lots of blackberry. Round and supple in attack and finish, opens with fine-meshed tannins, enveloped in sweet enamel, mineral-salty hints on the final, raspberry, some black tea, volcanic smoke and a firm pressure. SUPERIORE.DE

"Healthy and energetic wine. Lots of red cherries, maraschino liqueur, rose petals, and ruby grapefruits followed by crushed lava rock undertones. Structured and creamy with crunchy and chewy tannins lifting the palate. Opulent floral characters give this an edge at the end." James Suckling

Fragore by Donnafugata from the Etna region of Montelaguardia in Randazzo joins the collection of wine icons Mille e una Notte and Ben Ryè. With only 15,000 bottles, Donnafugata has produced a limited edition treasure. Fragore means thunder in Italian: it refers to the volcanic thunder of Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano. Grapes of the autochthonous grape variety Nerello Mascalese from selected vineyards were used.

Bright, radiant ruby red. Spicy-floral bouquet of redcurrants, tobacco, nutmeg and violets, plus a delicate flint note. Beautifully complex and elegant on the palate, the finely composed tannins lead each sip into a persistent final. SUPERIORE.DE

Contrada Rampante grows on the highest vineyard of Passopisciaro. The soils have a higher sand content and the harvest takes place later here. On the nose, dark red cherries, flowers, mint and liquorice. Rampante is an elegant, energetic red with clear fruit and silky tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium ruby red. Brooding and hinted at ripe red fruits with iodine notes, oatmeal and still embryonic. Plenty of tannic raspberry fruit. Very long, juicy and energetic, tannic and perfumed. Big, long tannic bite on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Contrada Rampante (R) vintage exudes a dramatic but incredibly pretty bouquet of dried flowers, exotic spices, smoke and sour cherries. It is softly textured and refined, with bright acidity that further enlivens the tart red berries. It leaves a hint of minerality, along with fine tannins that only emerge at the very end, when the hints of sour citrus and inner rose tones fade. The Rampante vineyard is the highest site where Passopisciaro grows Nerello Mascalese, at 1,000 metres." Vinous

"Hints of eucalyptus and liquorice on the nose continue on the palate of this fresh red wine, which offers flavours of plump cherries and ripe currants, a mineral underpinning and a crisp framework of chalky tannins. It's enjoyable now, but should also show well with a short ageing period." Wine Spectator

"the Vini Franchetti 2019 Contrada R is characterized by plummy black fruit at its core and a richer, softer texture compared to some of the other single-vineyard wines in this series. It is tight and quite structured despite its luminous ruby shine and medium-light appearance. There are salty mineral notes on the close, even some crushed white pepper, to remind you of this spectacular volcanic landscape." Wine Advocate

"Smoky flint, dark spices, blue flowers and wild berries and a hint of hay come to the fore. The elegant, structured palate is racy and full of mineral tension, offering crushed raspberries, pomegranate, liquorice and ground cloves before an almost salty, mineral finish. Taut, refined tannins and fresh acidity provide the framework." Wine Enthusiast

Ruby garnet colour, fine violet note and many spices in the bouquet. Dense and compact with taut tannin and sweet fruit melt. Given time, this already very elegant red (age of the vines: 100 years, production: 4,000 bottles) is at the beginning of a long, promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just under medium ruby. A nose full of spices over a layer of cool red fruits with stony hints. Open and completely ready and accessible. Fresh, supple red fruits. More elegant than concentrated with soft, polished tannins." Jancis Robinson

"Juniper and sour cherry, earth and salt on the nose. Hearty on the palate with hints of venison, black cherry, chocolate and nutmeg. Very concentrated, broad-shouldered and at the same time punchy due to a present acidity. The fruit seems very ripe. A wine with high demands, but also a pleasure to drink." Vinum

"The Vini Franchetti 2020 Contrada G, with fruit from the historic Guardiola vineyard where some of the vines are 120 years old, has notes of white pepper and Indian spices framing red currants, balsamic herbs, pencil shavings and embers. The wine is tangy and full-bodied, with medium texture and long tannins." Wine Advocate

"Elegant ruby red with a sparkling core and brightening rim. Elegant and inviting nose of ripe cherries, mint, cold smoke, then again ripe raspberries, pomegranate and blood orange, seductive. Polished and compact on the palate, opening slowly and in many layers, extremely finessed and with a salty, long finish." Falstaff

"The 2020 Contrada Guardiola (G) is a real eye-catcher. It is surprisingly floral, with an abundance of rose and violet tones mingling with blackberries and a pinch of spice. It flows across the palate with ease, silky at first, with a saline core and tart red berries drenching the senses; yet it remains perfumed and refined throughout. Spicy citrus and herbal notes run through the long final, along with a layer of fine tannins that promise a long and steady evolution. Franky said, "This is one of the finest performances of Guardiola fruit I have ever experienced." Vinous

Etna is one of Italy's most fascinating wine regions and Andrea Franchetti is probably the most fanatical producer in this area. Added to this are eighty-year-old indigenous Nerello Mascalese vines. The single vineyard Contrada Porcaria has a thoroughly masculine personality. Darkly scented with ripe fruit and menthol, the palate is predominantly spice and mineral with many other facets. The course and the final are rich, dense and very convincing. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy, lush attack on the nose of Amarena cherry, plums and pepper. This wine radiates an incredible energy and seems precisely structured. Sour cherry on the palate, with a fine spiciness of mace. Inviting acidity from the still young fruit and a great length. The radiance of the volcano captured in a brilliant wine." Vinum

"The 2020 Contrada Porcaria (P) is dark and inward as crushed stones and camphor dissipate to reveal spiced cherries and a touch of shaved cedar. It feels silky and robust, with bright acidity adding emphasis to the tart red berry fruit as the 2020 shows an abundance of energy. Fine tannins saturate the final under a hint of flowers, while a touch of salt and minerality slowly fades." Vinous

"From a hot and dry vintage, the 2020 Contrada P, with fruit from Contrada Porcaria at 650m, offers a great balance between very fruity flavours contrasted with scorched earth and campfire ash." Wine Advocate

Contrada Rampante grows on the highest vineyard of Passopisciaro. The soils have a higher sand content and the harvest takes place later here. On the nose, dark red cherries, flowers, mint and liquorice. Rampante is an elegant, energetic and dynamic red with clear fruit and silky tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"This brilliance in the glass is attractively typical of Etna wines. The bouquet is reminiscent of raspberries and smoke, red currant and salt. On the palate, a good, so subtle tension: first it shows a gentle attack, then it grabs hold and stays, not lush, but attractively multilayered. The acidity keeps the wine on its toes, the tannins ensure a long finish. 18 months of maturation in large oak barrels make it silky, cool and mineral, as one would ideally expect from an Etna Rosso. The 100+ year old Nerello vines from Contrada Rampante, perhaps the most famous site on Etna, located in Passopisciaro to the north at over 700-1000 metres, adds its own unique style to the house." Vinum

"With fruit from the Contrada Rampante in Castiglione di Sicilia at up to 1,000 meters above sea level, the 2020 Contrada R shows some bitter cherry and brambly aromas of Mediterranean herb. Notes of volcanic ash meet fine, dry tannins. This is one of the more approachable wines in this series of single-vineyard Nerello Mascalese releases." Wine Advocate

"Bright ruby red with a gently brightening rim. Noble and inviting nose, of candied citrus zest, rose hips, wild strawberries, plus a hint of dried red flowers, reverberating delicately of wet stone. On the palate with beautiful juiciness and polished red berry fruit, spreads salty over the tongue, sparse elegance, currently still quite youthful tannin in the finish." Falstaff

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, sparkling ruby red. Currently somewhat restrained on the nose, showing light hints of geranium and cold smoke, distant hints of dried tomatoes. Extremely polished on the palate entry, with creamy tannin, showing noble candied raspberry fruit, grippy salty final." Falstaff

"The 2020 Contrada Chiappemacine (C) is sharp and floral. It smells of sour cherries, dried strawberries and cedar spices. Its silky texture washes over the palate with ease, leading to sweet, herbaceous red fruits, while lively acidity provides a juicy feel. The 2020 finishes structured and long, with hints of liquorice and violet tones. It is recommended to cellar for a year or two as it has an underlying power that has yet to fully develop." Vinous

"From the Contrada Chiappemacine at a lower 550 meters in elevation, the 2020 Contrada C opens to an accessible style over a lean-bodied mouthfeel. The wine offers plenty of wild cherry and redcurrant with classic Etna aromas of campfire ash and rusty nail. You also get some bitter rose petal." Wine Advocate

The annual production of this boutique winery on Etna is just 9,000 bottles. At an altitude of 950 metres above sea level, the one and a half hectares of vines are divided into eight tiny plots and have been gradually bought up by the well-known Oenologist. The area is planted with Nerello Mascalese bush vines, which have been spared the phylloxera phylloxera 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 owes its name. Alberelli di Giodo is extremely elegant and flavoursome and represents the minerality and finesse typical of its volcanic growing region to a remarkable degree. SUPERIORE.DE

"From ancient bush trees in high vineyards: finely chiselled aromas of raspberries and blossoms, also balsamic facets; noble texture, the acidity and tannins wonderfully modelled, long, fresh and fruity and yet extremely elegant. Very successful." Vinum

"Bright, light ruby red colour. Intriguing nose, delicate fruity notes, reminiscent of raspberries and cherries, followed by dried herbs and a hint of black truffle. Lively and precise on the palate, starts with a lot of juice, firm tannin structure and dancing acidity, spicy final, good length." Falstaff

"Transparent ruby red colour. Rich and yet with plenty of pace. And some light animal notes." Jancis Robinson

"Cola, tobacco, cinnamon and baked cherries. Freshness and lift from the start, super fresh with a juicy succulence that is so inviting. A clean palate with a gentle flavour drive. Feels well crafted with finesse. Balanced with so much juicy goodness, lovely velvety tannins and sweet strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate fruit on the palate. It will also develop superbly with time in the glass. This wine certainly has power, depth and vigour. A wine to age." Decanter

"A medium-bodied, very dense and precise red wine with focused, firm tannins framing smooth layers of cranberry, blackberry, stone, slate and tobacco. Also a hint of dried fruit. Mineral and stony. The wine has the character of old vines, with plenty of bark and spice on the finish. Try it from 2024 onwards." James Suckling

"The 2020 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese from Carlo Ferrini opens with a beautiful ruby red colour and an elegant, slender appearance. The wine offers tart cherry fruit, cassis, blue flowers, iron ore and orange peel. These different layers come together with balanced intensity. This vintage shows tremendous elegance and tannins that melt slowly and persistently on the palate. This bottle offers a very authentic and classic expression of the Sicilian volcano." Wine Advocate

"It is a pure Nerello Mascalese, preceded by a measured maceration on the skins and then refined in tonneaux. It has notes of black cherry, a hint of rhubarb, a touch of marjoram and black peppercorns. Spicy on the palate, with a fruity, spicy finish and hints of undergrowth." Luca Gardini

The annual production of this boutique winery on Etna is just 9,000 bottles. At an altitude of 950 metres above sea level, the one and a half hectares of vines are divided into eight tiny plots and have been gradually bought up by the well-known Oenologist. The area is planted with Nerello Mascalese bush vines, which have been spared the phylloxera phylloxera 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 owes its name. Alberelli di Giodo is extremely elegant and flavoursome and represents the minerality and finesse typical of its volcanic growing region to a remarkable degree. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of plum, iron and pumice with some flowers. It’s medium-bodied with powdered, fine tannins. It’s layered and elegant yet so structured. Very long and focused. Wild finish with a lava-like undertone to it all. Just above the contrada of Rapante. Drinkable but better in two or three years." James Suckling

Ruby garnet colour, fine violet and rose notes and many spices in the bouquet. Dense and compact with taut tannin and sweet fruit melt. Given time, this captivating red is at the beginning of a long, promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"A powerful sour cherry and the nose, with hints of roasted almonds. On the palate, it shows an opulent, ripe red fruit, reminiscent of morello cherries and redcurrant jam. It also has smoky and savoury notes, reminiscent of fennel salami. On the palate, there is also a salty minerality typical of the volcano." Vinum

"The Vini Franchetti 2020 Contrada S sees its fruit sourced from the popular Contrada Sciaranuova at 850 meters in elevation. The vines are 80 years old on average. It is spicy and tart with plenty of white pepper, medicinal herb and wild berry. The wine continues to offer that slightly spicy quality to the palate with dry tannins and lots of blackcurrant. This vintage saw only 2,040 bottles released." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Contrada Sciaranuova (S) is deeply seductive, almost sultry, with an herbal note in its bright cherry-berry bouquet, along with a hint of animal musk that keeps me on the edge of the glass. The earth-inspired blend continues on the palate, but mingles with exotic florals, red citrus and a bracing acidity. There's just so much going on here, yet the balance is perfect as the 2020 tapers off lightly structured with a burst of inner sweetness and a hint of salted liquorice that lingers. Wow. Although this wine will age evenly, it is worth tasting early to enjoy its original character. The vines of Sciara Nuova grow at an altitude of 850 metres on soils of volcanic gravel." Vinous

Passorosso is a single-varietal Nerello Mascalese that shows fine garnet-red reflections in its bright ruby red. Proud and fascinating, it presents an intense bouquet of red berries, coffee and olives. Its engaging taste convinces with clear, well-defined fruit and pronounced minerality. Graceful and special. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy aroma of black cherry and plum, mint and a little graphite accompany the fruit. It also shows juice and power on the palate, dark cherries are structured by a grippy tannin. The acidity gives the wine a lot of freshness. The grapes for the wine come from 80 to 120 year old vines." Vinum

"The Etna Rosso Passorosso 2020 has a bright and powerful bouquet with blackcurrants, rosemary sprigs, white pepper, cola and ferrous earth or rusty nails. The bouquet has a sanguine, almost metallic note. As it progresses, the wine shows medium texture, firm tannins and good length." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Passorosso is spicy and shows dried flowers, hints of cardamom and white pepper before the dusty cherry fruit comes to the fore. Soft and enveloping, it impresses with a pure blend of red fruits and inner rose tones accompanied by cooling acidity. It finishes lightly structured with a bitter aftertaste of concentrated sour cherries. While the Passorosso is typically a more forward expression, the 2020 could do with another year in the cellar before showing its best. Nevertheless, it is a very nice wine with a lot of potential." Vinous

Just around 2,000 bottles of this noble Riserva are filled each year. With an abundance of aromas of black berries, balsamic nuances and spices as well as the expansive taste - full and clear - this great wine brings together finesse, elegance and softness in an excellent way. SUPERIORE.DE

"Cottanera's 2015 Etna Rosso Riserva Zottorinoto offers a beautiful level of purity and sharpness, with plenty of the electric energy and tightness you should expect of a great wine from Etna. This vintage offers some extra ripeness with fruity tones that veer toward plum and black cherry. But those fruit tones are reigned back by the defined mineral backbone of the wine that cedes to campfire ash and scorched earth. The 2015 fruit is a bit looser and thicker altogether. This wine should come together beautifully with a few more years of bottle aging. Only 1,900 bottles were made." Wine Advocate

Giuseppe Russo cultivates part of the 12-hectare San Lorenzo vineyard at an altitude of around 750 metres on the slopes of Mount Etna near Randazzo. The lava flows of recent decades have created a porous soil here, rich in volcanic rock and therefore providing excellent drainage.

San Lorenzo, named after the Roman deacon and martyr, boasts irresistible aromas of red cherry, marzipan, quinine, blood orange and mineral stones. Excellently nuanced on the palate with polished tannins, remarkable length and great elegance. San Lorenzo from Etna - a commitment and one of many examples of the fact that the red wines from Etna can certainly hold their own with the finely elegant representatives of Nebbiolo. SUPERIORE.DE

"Balsamic red fruits mingle with sweet black berries and black cherries, with some strawberry, cherry and pomegranate coming through on the mid-palate. Fine, grainy tannins support the fruit, while some dried fruits and more balsam take centre stage on the long, fresh finish." Decanter

"Subtle notes of ripe red berries, such as cherries and strawberries, with hints of lilac, red spices and crushed stones. Also some blood orange. Medium-bodied, polished and even on the palate with supple tannins that have a dusty texture. Juicy acidity and a crisp, mineral finish." James Suckling

"The Etna Rosso San Lorenzo 2021 is a very exciting wine with lots of energy and vigour. It opens with a lean, concentrated body and a bright ruby red colour. The wine displays a long array of wild fruit and small berry flavours, underpinned by crushed white pepper and crushed stone. San Lorenzo is one of the most impressive interpretations of Etna. I highly recommend tasting and cellaring this wine." Wine Advocate

Bright ruby red colour. Refined raspberry and red cherry on the nose, with notes of quinine and flowers that develop with further aeration. Fresh flavours of red berries and smoked beef, with hints of violets and orange zest. Almost exotic on the palate with plenty of luscious extract sweetness and fine tannins and a fresh, mineral, dry finish. An exceptional red wine with a terrificarc of tension! SUPERIORE.DE

"Black cherry and medicinal herb scents introduce an intense, concentrated palate of sweet black forest fruits balanced by balsamic freshness and integrated tannins. Vertical, elegant and fresh." Decanter

"I tasted this wine before it was officially released, and while it definitely needs more time in the bottle, I think we're looking at something very special. With high altitude fruit from old, twisted 100 year old vines, this expression is beautifully ethereal and almost weightless in character. The 2021 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo offers blue flowers, ashy smoke, liquorice and grilled herbs. The tannins are silky and flattering." Wine Advocate

Around 2,000 bottles of this single-vineyard wine are sold each year. Extremely complex bouquet of blackberry, blackcurrant and sour cherry, with perfectly integrated notes of Mediterranean herbs. Broad and elegant on the palate, supported by a delicate acid wire that makes it fresh and lively. A great wine with excellent structure and remarkable persistence and depth of flavour. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ripe and sweet red and black berries are backed by some chocolatey notes and fine, chalky tannins. Very balsamic, sapid and vertical, it displays impressive concentration of pure, succulent fruit. Patience will be rewarded." Decanter

"Sweet berry and floral aromas with orange peel and flowers. Very intense and flavourful, yet discreet and concentrated. Medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins that extend over the entire length of the wine. Powerful and polished. It should only be drunk after 2025, but is already very attractive now." James Suckling

"The Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana 2021 turns out to be one of the best wines produced on Mount Etna in recent years. The bouquet is nuanced and rich with many moving parts ranging from red fruits, cassis, blue flowers and campfire ash. These tones are seamlessly intertwined, yet remain vibrant and bright. On the finish, the wine shows a fine structure and plenty of minerality." Wine Advocate

Feudo - a radiant ruby-garnet colour - displays lively aromas of raspberry, mint, minerals and flowers, which continue on the palate full of energy. This richness, harmony and freshness also accompany the almost endless and highly elegant finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"In the mouth it shows a good balance of sticky red fruits, acidity, balsamic freshness and grainy tannic grip. It's intense and concentrated, with lovely texture and a fresh finish. Very Burgundian, with succulent, ripe, tangy red fruits." Decanter

"Very open with fresh flowers and cut oranges with undertones of cherry and ash. Medium-bodied with open-grained tannins that spread out in the mouth. Juicy and flavourful. Very smoky on the finish." James Suckling

"The Etna Rosso Feudo 2021 is a little more approachable overall, but I love the way the bouquet and mouthfeel unfold in this vintage. The wine offers precision and clean straightforwardness. The fruit comes from 70 year old vines and the flavours are nuanced and delicate with wild fruits, roses and flint. The finish is very soft and silky with melting tannins." Wine Advocate

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

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

"Cask sample. Just mid crimson. Perfumed morello cherry and really tightly wound. Slow release of ripe raspberry and cherry fruit with a Nebbiolo-like, long tannic charge on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Darkly elegant and poised, the 2017 Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante slowly comes to life. Exotic spice scents emerge, mixed with smoky crushed stone, dried roses and black cherries. It's silky-smooth with medium-bodied weight, complemented by bright acidity and a cooling mix of red and blue fruits. Sweet tannins and minerals mingle through the long, mouthwatering finale, leaving a lightly structured feel as inner violet florals slowly fade. This is incredibly pretty and already highly enjoyable, yet has short-term cellaring potential as well. Nicely done!" Vinous

"Attractive ripe berry, plum and spice aromas follow through to a medium to full body, chewy tannins and a powerful finish." James Suckling

"With pre-phylloxera fruit from 90-year-old vines in the village of Castiglione di Sicilia, this asset in the Pietradolce portfolio is a relatively new addition. The 2017 Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante shows some extra concentration and darkness that reflects the vineyard site and the hot growing conditions of the vintage. The wine offers a lot of savory characteristics with leather and crushed stone, but there are some solid tones of blackberry and wild plum at its core." Wine Advocate