“Vigna Barbagalli” Rosso Etna DOC 2020

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

19222120 · 0,75 l · 385,33 €/l< 24 units available
Limitation of 2 articles per customer

At an altitude of 900 metres, on the northern slope of Mount Etna, lies a tiny amphitheatre. It is not a geometric structure, not a terraced work of human hands – but a natural cauldron of volcanic ash and lava rock, where old Nerello Mascalese vines have stood for more than a century, surrounded by wild flowers, olive trees, figs and cherries. James Button from Decanter wrote: Barbagalli is the most picturesque vineyard he has ever seen on Etna. Anyone who has ever visited it will understand why he doesn't seek any further comparison. These vines survived phylloxera. Almost all vineyards in Europe were destroyed by phylloxera at the end of the 19th century. Here, at an altitude of 900 metres, in black volcanic sand and rubble-rich rock, the pest had no basis back then. The vines are still standing on their own roots. The same roots that were pressed into this earth 100 to 120 years ago. They are reminiscent of an Etna that nobody recognises anymore.

Michele Faro did not discover this property – it was known, it was there. But he recognised what it meant: to vinify this tiny patch in such a way that nothing is lost. Hand-picked. Eighteen days of maceration. Gentle pressing. Twenty months of maturation in fine-grained, lightly toasted oak – no new wood, no barriques that mould the wine instead of supporting it. Then a long period of ageing in the bottle, thinking the journey through to the end. The grapes are harvested in the third decade of October, when the nights are already cold at this altitude and the vines slowly release what they have concentrated all summer – one thing is clear: Barbagalli is one of the most expensive wines on Etna. But this is not a pretension, it is a count: how many of these vines still exist, how large this amphitheatre is, how many bottles are produced and remain. The absolute rarity here is not a marketing decision. It is a geological fact.

Bright, clear ruby red colour of medium depth – never dark, always brilliant. On the nose, truffles, wild cherry, rosehip, dried tomatoes, violets, lavender, fine spices and underneath that volcanic flint that reveals no other origin than Etna. Complex, layered, with a stillness that unfolds with increasing oxygen – not immediately, but impressively. On the palate, creamy, polished tannins of great elegance, vibrant freshness, waves of energy, a long and precise finish with a slightly salty minerality. A wine that has nothing to prove – because it has undoubtedly been part of the Etna benchmark for many years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intense, bright ruby red colour, brightening with a shiny core. Rosehip, ripe cherries and dried tomatoes on the nose. Creamy tannins on the palate, polished, with fine salty undertones, comes in several waves, vibrant, full of energy." Falstaff

"An array of violet and lavender flowers gives way to wild berries, cedar shavings and sage as the dark floral 2020 Etna Rosso Barbagalli blossoms in the glass. It seduces with soft textures and ripe wild berries, while the cool acidity provides lift and a hint of rose resonates. Exceptionally long, structured and classically dry, the 2020 tapers perfumed with a saturation of liquorice that offers a pleasantly bitter bite. This is the best young edition of Barbagalli from Pietradolce to date." Vinous

"Barbagalli is defined by its location, and if you've been lucky enough to visit this vineyard, I guarantee you'll never forget it. A tiny amphitheatre of ancient, knotted, self-rooted vines exists - against all odds - in a moon-like landscape. It lies at an altitude of 900 metres and is less than one hectare in size. The Barbagalli is indeed characterised by a special complexity with dark fruits, crème de cassis and volcanic notes. What stands out in this vintage are hints of balsam or medicinal herbs, which give the bouquet additional lift and verticality." Wine Advocate

"The Barbagalli is reliably one of Etna's best red wines, and it won't disappoint in 2020 either. It comes from a beautiful parcel in Contrada Rampante, 900 metres above sea level. Although still very young, the potential is clear to see: creamy aromas of dark fruits with herbs lead to a bold and powerful palate that offers a complexity of blackberries, cherries, grilled herbs, wood and spices, with a creamy undertone. The incisive acidity brings a certain mentholated freshness into play." Decanter

"Beautiful nose of dried cherries and raspberries, with notes of sandalwood, sweet spices and crushed stones. The palate is intense and persistent, with a medium to full body and plenty of depth and structure. Nevertheless, the tannins are very fine and well integrated into the wine, with a seamless, velvety texture. The finish unfolds with generous fruit and an ashy minerality. It has something mysterious about it." James Suckling