Pietradolce

Etna Rosato by Pietradolce not only attracts attention with its delicate shiny colour, the delicate rose bouquet beguiles and the precise taste convinces with lively aromas of peach, cranberry and grapefruit. Elegant mineral tones accompany the fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright orange-pink. Fresh stone fruit and raspberries on the nose, with a touch of pink grapefruit in the finish. Well balanced on the palate, with a melting attack, fresh and with a salty mineral final." Falstaff

"The 2022 Rosato Etna exudes a spicy and floral bouquet that mixes ginger with green apples. Soft and structured, it impresses with its balance of ripe orchard fruit and salty mineral tones, while tropical citrus adds tension towards the end. A salty note lingers as the 2022 finishes crisply refreshing and pleasantly chewy." Vinous

"Exotic fruit notes of ripe banana and lychee followed by melon, citrus and some grassy notes on the nose of Pietradolce Rosato. All these notes come through on the palate, with gravel, grass, melon and citrus, but now with more fruit for a warming, bitter bite at the end." Wine Enthusiast

Beautiful white from Carricante that captures the energy of Etna and reflects its essence. Sparkling lemon yellow with a drop of gold. Yellow stone fruit, mint, floral and spice aromas on the nose. Complex on the palate, full fruit and subtle minerality. Racy, finely spicy and sophisticated. SUPERIORE.DE

"A spicy nose that is set off by tar and stones, with spices and nuts layered over tart citrus fruits like bergamot and pithy lemon. The juicy lemonade lingers on the palate and is complemented by a peppery finish. Coherent and substantial, with a taut acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2022 Etna Bianco is delicate and floral with a nuanced blend of nectarine and wet stones. It’s soft and enveloping with a pretty inner sweetness up front and zesty acidity that enlivens its core of citrus-tinged apples. This finishes long, staining, yet still fresh, with sour lime and savory spice notes." Vinous

Pietradolce Rosso is reminiscent of an elegant red from Burgundy. Sparkling, intense garnet red. Light, aromatic tones of cherry, raspberry, slate, cigar tobacco and cedar, medium-bodied and very energetic on the palate, tasty fruit, salty, balanced and long. Definitely aerate! SUPERIORE.DE

"The ferrous and mineral notes of earth, bricks and iron on the nose are accompanied by a fruity note of cherries and strawberries that continues on the palate, with some additional spicy notes of black peppercorns and red chilli flakes. An earthy note accompanies the whole wine and is balanced by lively acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Seductive from the first sip, the 2021 Etna Rosso opens slowly to reveal dried strawberries, lavender, incense and spices. It is luxuriously round and soothing, with ripe red and blue fruits flowing easily across the palate. The 2021 finishes long and powerful, but is only lightly textured. Sincere citrus and liquorice notes slowly fade. It is a nice introduction to Etna and the style of the Pietradolce house." Vinous

"Bright, brilliant ruby red with slightly brightening rims. On the nose flint, redcurrants, black tea and light note of blood orange. Very fresh and juicy on the palate, with a clear structure, well-integrated tannin and pressure on the palate." Falstaff

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

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

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Santo Spirito is shy in the glass, with a delicate blend of dusty earth, dried roses and strawberries. It flows across the palate, a model of purity, with mineral-tinged red fruits and pretty inner flowers. The finish is lightly structured, with a hint of bitterness and chalk tannins. The 2019 is an understated interpretation of Santo Spirito." Vinous

"Aromas reminiscent of cocoa, eucalyptus and Mediterranean scrub as well as a hint of sea brine characterise the nose. On the palate, polished tannins accompany raspberry compote, blood orange and liquorice before finishing with notes of salt and crushed mint." Wine Enthusiast

"The grapes for the Pietradolce 2019 Etna Rosso Contrada Santo Spirito come from old, branched Nerello Mascalese vines from the time before the phylloxera plague. The wine is well-balanced with plenty of fruit and ashy spice. It is immediately reminiscent of the impressive volcanic environment from which it originates. The tannins of this wine are fine and polished. The production is 4,000 bottles." Wine Advocate

"Enticing and complex, earthy scents of wild strawberry, orange peel, blood orange, spice and garrigue lead to an intense yet elegant palate. Light on its feet, its sapid, tangy red fruits are supported by fine tannins, slightly drying on the finish." 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 on the palate, enormously juicy and with the power and persistence for a very respectable finish and a long life. SUPERIORE.DE

"Here's a new wine from Michele Faro and the team at Pietradolce. The 2019 Etna Rosso Contrada Feudo di Mezzo offers a soft entry to the palate with an open texture and more accessible fruit compared to some of the other Contrada-specific wines from this estate, such as Contrada Rampante and Contrada Santo Spirito. The wine finishes with silky tannins, wild berries, roses and crushed stone. A sweet violet can also be recognised. Only 1,000 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

"Rich and earthy with balsamic black cherry and red berry perfume, it's very juicy, moreish and intense in the mouth. Vertical and saline hedgerow fruits are accompanied by wood and spice hints, refined tannins and that lovely balsamic line running through." Decanter

The mineral-rich Archineri from the ancient Carricante grape variety is quite exquisite. With great clarity and freshness, it displays its typical flavour profile of crushed rock, apple, banana, peach and citrus fruit. Fascinatingly dense on the palate with a velvety texture, a hint of chalk and a long, complex mineral finish. Pre-Phylloxera = from ungrafted vines! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow in colour. Aromas of yellow peach, persimmon, medlar and delicate hints of flint on the nose. Soft, subtle palate, initial aromatic thrust, fresh texture and long finish." Falstaff

"Made from vines up to 120 years old, it's a gorgeous white with lemon and saline green fruits allied to a full structure with tons of sapidity. Long, stony and savoury, the finish displays juicy streaks of sweet pineapple, yellow plum and peach. Delicious!" Decanter

"The 2021 Etna Bianco Archineri is a beautiful wine with the crystalline luminosity and bright flavours you look for in a wine from Etna made from the popular Carricante grape. In this case, the fruit comes from vines from before the phylloxera plague at an altitude of 900 metres. There is a certain saltiness and crushed oyster shells with grapefruit, unripe peach and green apple." Wine Advocate

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

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

"Enticing aromas of flowers, cherries and plums follow through to a medium to full body, ripe, juicy fruit and a chewy, fresh finish. Lovely creamy texture." James Suckling

"The 2017 Etna Rosso Archineri is a fine and delicate expression from Etna that presents concise and carefully laid-out aromas of wild fruit, tart cherry, mountain herb and fresh violets. Not all red wines from this hot and dry vintage have held up as nicely nor are as vibrant as this pretty wine from Michele Faro and his team at Pietradolce. To the palate, the wine is lean and crisp and there is a salty note to the finish. In fact, this is nearly lean enough to enjoy with a seared tuna steak." 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

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 Carricante grapes for this extremely rare Etna Bianco come from phylloxera-resistant (pre-phylloxera) vines from a single vineyard on the eastern slope of Etna at an altitude of 800 metres. Only a single oak barrel is filled each year, resulting in less than 2,000 bottles per vintage.

Rich golden yellow with amber-coloured accents. Complex and well-structured aroma of herbs, yellow fruit and flint. Indescribable depth on the palate with a salty note, fresh fruit and mineral persistence. The final is firm and precise, the tension is perfectly balanced and the long-lasting impression is unique! SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep straw yellow with copper-coloured reflections. Serious, concentrated but restrained bouquet with hints of exotic spices, dried apricots and cedar wood as well as a faint hint of brioche. Initially straightforward and dense, it then opens up on the palate. Viscous lemon and grapefruit with a very subtle tannin structure. The finish is characterised by citrus fruits that provide a thrill. Complex, long and needs further bottle ageing." Jancis Robinson

"Made from grapes from 100 to 120 year old vines, this deep golden wine has enticing aromas of lychee, Spanish broom and wet stone. Round and enveloping, the elegant palate also shows depth and concentrated flavours of creamy pear, ripe yellow peach and tangy salinity alongside bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Here is a wine that will keep Carricante lovers on their toes. The Pietradolce 2018 Sant'Andrea opens with a saturated golden colour and offers completely unexpected aromas of candied almonds, apricots, honey, saffron, pastry cream and so on. The complexity of the wine reveals additional layers of roasted herbs and crushed stone. Prolonged maceration on the skins is the particular style of vinification that gives Sant'Andrea its unique identity. There is a hint of dusty tannin on the finish. This wine is bottled in an edition of 1,800 bottles." Wine Advocate

"The frosted brass sheen of this profound white wine, along with tantalising aromas of sun-warmed peach skin, saffron and oyster shells, draw you into the glass where a rich palette of flavours awaits. Notes of dried apricots, white cherries, orange pits, almond shells, cloves and honeycomb are underpinned by a fine, chalky texture and pronounced acidity with a hint of Mediterranean scrub." Wine Spectator

"Super-floral and fragrant with a textured, waxy palate, it displays addictive notes of grapefruit, apricot skin, baked apple, exotic spices and even a grappa/ grape skin component. It's really fresh yet rich and complex, and will repay cellaring." Decanter

The pure, autochthonous Nerello Mascalese from over 100-year-old (ungrafted) vines in Contrada Rampante on the northern slopes of Mount Etna at an altitude of 950 metres starts with a sparkling ruby-garnet colour and impressively adds a captivating raspberry aroma, followed by fine spicy notes (ginger, allspice, clove). Compact, dense, fully fruity, tannic on the palate, yet always extremely relaxed, elegant and supple. Traces of salt and flint on the finish. Just over 2,000 bottles of this masterpiece are produced every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Complex bouquet of red berries and flowers, subtle spicy flavours; fresh in the mouth, the acidity and the crisp tannins are well balanced, complex final with notes of fresh rosehip tea and herbs in the final. Combines elegance and length." Vinum

"Medium ruby red with orange-coloured reflections. Perfumed, concentrated, deep nose that is still a little brooding. Beautiful, supple cherry and raspberry fruit with fine tannins and savoury notes that cling to the palate. Bright acidity that combines with the concentrated ripe fruit on the finish without losing any of its power." Jancis Robinson

"The Etna Rosso Barbagalli 2018 opens with a spicy bouquet that combines dusty flowers and cloves with dried orange peel, incense and redcurrants. On the palate, it is surprisingly energetic and lively, yet complex. The zesty acidity enlivens the tart wild berries and savoury spices. A saturation of salty minerals accumulates towards the end. The 2018 finishes long yet inward, like a black hole of liquorice, violets and plums, framed by fine tannins that linger on the palate. The Barbagalli is a complete success for the vintage that fans of Pietradolce should not miss. This is the Etna Rosso of a Barolo lover." Vinous

"Michele Faro's top red wine is the Pietradolce 2018 Etna Rosso Barbagalli, whose fruit comes from a breathtaking amphitheatre of tangled old vines, each with its own shape and form. This vineyard is a sight to behold and I recommend a visit to this special place. In summer, the ashy volcanic soil feels like fine powder. Black lava stone walls border this small cru. This vintage is tart and fresh, with lots of sour cherry and a hint of wild herbs reminiscent of the wild fennel that grows in spring. Caper blossom, candied orange and violets can also be detected. Only 2,500 bottles were produced from this vineyard." Wine Advocate

"Seductively fragrant, this beautiful red wine offers tantalising aromas of blue flowers, crushed mint, wild berries and wet stone. The elegant, vibrant palate captivates with finesse and racy tension, with ripe Marasca cherries, raspberry compote, star anise and tangy flint notes accompanied by supple, polished tannins. The lively acidity provides balance and, together with the mineral notes, gives the wine plenty of energy." Wine Enthusiast

"Lots of aromas of pumice, smoke, dried meat and dried cherries, which fade into a full body with lively acidity and chewy tannins. Dense, needs another two or three years to open up. Made from old vines: 80 to 100 years old." James Suckling

"Its incredible perfume of wild red fruits, potpourri and violets, earth, black pepper and a dusty library character from the wood leads to a charming wine full of fleshy and juicy pomegranate and orange peel, followed by a certain complexity of cigar tobacco. Well-structured and yet so generous, despite the difficult vintage with high humidity and rain at harvest time. 2,000 bottles produced. A top recommendation." Decanter