“Contrada Pianodario” Rosso Etna DOC 2019

Tasca d'Almerita | Cantina Tascante | Sicily
Conte Tasca d'Almerita Soc. Agr. a.r.l. | Via dei Fiori 13 | IT 90129 Palermo

19034419 · 0,75 l · 52,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Pianodario is a landscape comprising 99 terraces. Held in place by dry stone walls that have become integrated into the hillside over the centuries, the land slopes from south to north at a gradient of seven% – a typical Etna vineyard, in which every single terrace is a microterroir in its own right. The soil tells an even older story: volcanic formations dating from between 4,000 and 15,000 years ago, beneath which far older layers, estimated to be between 30,000 and 40,000 years old, are thought to lie. Geological time, compressed into just a few metres of earth. The vines were only planted in 2010, at an altitude of 775 metres, facing north-east to south-west, trained using the espalier and gobelet systems. The site – high-altitude, well-ventilated and exposed to the cooling influence of the volcano – significantly slows the ripening of the Nerello Mascalese. Harvesting consequently begins late, often not until the first few days of November. Traditional red wine fermentation at 25 to 30°C, followed by complete malolactic fermentation; then comes the decisive stylistic difference from other Etna Reds: ageing in large 25-hectolitre Slavonian oak casks, rather than in small French barriques. The wood remains neutral, taking a back seat and allowing the fruit and terroir to take centre stage.

A bright ruby red. The bouquet is floral and delicate. On the palate, it is delicate and displays precise elegance; the tannins are subtle and soft; the mouthfeel is light yet persistent, with a long, complex final. The volcano at its most restrained. SUPERIORE.DE

"Many a Rosato in Italy has a colour like this. On the nose, it is reminiscent of raspberry sweets and tarragon. It has a very delicate body, and the acidity is refined and juicy. The tannins are also very delicate." Vinum

"The Contrada Pianodario is fragrant yet restrained, initially revealing an appealing blend of dried strawberries, roses and dusty rock. It is rich in texture, with a silky wave of tart wild berries and citrus notes, underpinned by a lively acidity. The finish is lightly structured, with a tart note that makes the cheeks pucker, and comes across as somewhat reserved, so that only hints of mineral-tinged dried cherries gradually fade away." Vinous

"A delightful bouquet of fresh red cherries, rose petals and grated nutmeg. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity and silky tannins. Juicy. Well-balanced and lively, with a very good finish and subtle concentration." James Suckling

"The Contrada Pianodario first presents itself with an exceptionally bright ruby-red colour and is wonderfully delicate and slender throughout. I personally love this style, and the team at Tascante have really hit the mark with this vintage – although, contrary to general expectations, this vintage is actually known for producing concentrated wines, something one would never guess from the sight of this luminous colour. It possesses good body and structure, achieved through maceration on the skins and ageing in traditional Slavonian oak barrels. The bouquet offers elegant aromas of wild raspberries, bitter almonds and blue flowers. Dusty volcanic notes are also discernible." Wine Advocate