“Sopra il Pozzo” Rosso Arcurìa Etna DOC 2019

Alberto Graci | Sicily
Az. Agr. Graci | Contrada Arcurìa Passopisciaro | IT 95012 Castiglione di Sicilia

19252619 · 0,75 l · 172,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping11 units available

The Grand Cru Sopra il Pozzo is Graci's personal homage to a tiny section of land within the Contrada Arcurìa – a higher part, stony, barren, cool, at around 750 metres above sea level. The soil: decomposed lava basalt, ash, pumice. Low in nutrients, but full of energy. Old Nerello Mascalese vines are rooted here in bush form in harmony with the centuries-old cultural landscape of the northern slope of Mount Etna. The 2019 vintage was balanced and significantly cooler than its predecessors, characterised by a long vegetation cycle with late harvest. The result: an Etna Rosso with precise fruit, lively acidity and clear linearity – less volume, more depth. Vinification is classic: spontaneous fermentation with maceration for approx. 30 days, followed by ageing for 24 months in large neutral barrels.

Bright, almost shimmering ruby red in the glass with a brick-red reflection. The nose opens with fine precision: sour cherry, rosehip, pink pepper and a hint of orange zest, followed by hints of graphite, fennel seed, dried flowers and cool stone. Extremely focussed on the palate, with a silky texture, lively acidity and subtle tannin structure – nothing overloaded, no pathos, but enormous energy and salty depth on the finish. The final is long, herbal, almost ethereal – an echo of its great volcanic origins. Only 2,300 bottles were bottled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of redcurrants, ripe plums and dried, spicy herbs such as rosemary and thyme, with a smoky note. Medium body with soft but incisive tannins. A hint of sweet leather and mushrooms in the aftertaste." James Suckling

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Arcuria Sopra il Pozzo is not to be missed. Its bouquet is a blend of exotic spices, blood orange, incense and dried black cherries. It is surprisingly juicy and energetic, with a lively acidity and tactile mineral tones up front that enhance the tart wild berry fruit. The finish is classically dry and structured, leaving a pleasantly bitter note and fine-grained tannins that penetrate deeply. A hint of violet blossom and lavender lingers on the finish. This wine is beautifully balanced and complex. The 1.5-hectare Sopra il Pozzo parcel has soils consisting of a mixture of volcanic sand and stone." Vinous

"In the black label bottle, the 2019 Etna Rosso Arcurìa Sopra il Pozzo displays a bright ruby red colour with aromas of wild berries, toasted almonds and volcanic ash impressions. The wine starts slowly with its flavours, but it opens up fully, eventually giving way to dusty tannins and a long finish. This bottle will age beautifully." Wine Advocate