“Contrada Rampante” Rosso Etna DOC 2021

Pietradolce | Sicily
Flora Faro s.s. di Michele e Mario Faro | SP 117 N. 56 | IT 95018 Riposto

19222921 · 0,75 l · 65,33 €/l< 24 units available

Contrada Rampante is one of the highest and most renowned vineyards on the north-east slope of Mount Etna. At around 1,000 metres above sea level, Nerello Mascalese thrives here on volcanic sandy soils with a high lava content – a terroir of rare expressiveness that combines cool nights, long vegetation cycles and extreme slopes. The vines are over 100 years old – partly ungrafted – produce small-berried, concentrated grapes. After fermentation in cement, the wine matures for around 12 months in large wooden barrels and then for several months in the bottle.

Medium ruby red in the glass with a brick-coloured rim. Complex and finely interwoven on the nose: sour cherry, wild strawberries, dried herbs, iron, lava stone, some smoke and a hint of orange peel. Very clear and linear on the palate, with cool fruit, fine acidity and taut tannins. The texture almost seems to float, the finish is long, salty and subtly tart. An Etna Rosso with almost alpine precision and inner tension – rampante shows the noblest side of Nerello Mascalese. A delicate, broodingwine with a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark ruby red colour with delicate rim brightening and violet reflections. Spicy nose, lots of pepper, tobacco and cardamom, followed by cherries and plums. Powerful and juicy on the palate, structured, rich tannins, dancing acidity, spicy, long final." Falstaff

"A dark Etna with ripe red cherries and red berries, not too complex but enhanced by smoky minerality. Medium-bodied, this has a juicy palate, crisp acidity and tight, chalky tannins. Well-balanced in the finish with a good licorice aftertaste." James Suckling

"The 2021 Etna Rosso Rampante is sweetly spiced with a confectionary bouquet of cedar box, incense and clove that envelops notes of blood orange and black cherry. Soothingly round yet mineral in style, it cascades across the palate with ripe red and black fruits guided by brisk acidity. Youthfully tense and grippy, this leaves a staining of primary concentration and edgy tannins offset by nuances of sour citrus. It's a lively and spry Rampante that is a bit unruly yet enjoyable all the same." Vinous

"this 2021 is firing on all cylinders. Precise red and black berries and cherries are accompanied by fragrant wafts of herbs and spice. The fruit is well measured and succulent, with a ferrous twist and a lingering note of orange peel. Grippy tannins and fresh acidity ensure this is built for the long haul." Decanter

"The 2021 Etna Rosso Rampante draws its fruit from ancient pre-phylloxera vines on sandy soils with lots of volcanic rocks and material mixed within. It opens to a medium-dark garnet color and shows special perfumes of dried currant, crushed rose and campfire ember. Like all the wines in this portfolio, you absolutely taste the volcano, its ash, its smoke and its wild side. This mid-weight red has a twofold delivery of cherry sweetness and acidity that makes for an attractive final touch." Wine Advocate