Etna

Benanti's new red comes 100% from the Monte Serra vineyard (Contrada) and from 13-100 year old Nerello Mascalese vines. The maximum production per year is just 6,000 bottles. It delights with its lively flavour and silky texture with beautiful cassis notes, enormous energy and terrificminerality and ends with a wonderfully long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wine comes from the historic vineyard around the very attractive winery. It is very complex with graphite nuances, ripe red berries, raspberry pulp, redcurrants and delicate floral notes. It is strikingly reminiscent of a Barolo with its earthy and dense character." Weinwisser

"Clear, more red than black berry nose with nutty aromas, some dried flowers, a hint of tobacco, hints of tar and tomato essence. Ripe, tart, juicy, firm, yet transparent fruit, restrained nutty flavours, some cocoa and pepper, herbal nuances, a certain acid bite and ripe, fine, quite present tannins, persistent on the palate, lots of salt, tobacco and smoky nuances, very good, firm finish." Wein-Plus

"A slightly chewy, medium-bodied red wine with notes of sun-dried cherries, rich loamy earth, grilled herbs and mocha finely interwoven with silky tannins. There are hints of tar and spice accents on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The Etna Rosso Contrada Monte Serra 2021 is dusty, floral and yet delicate. It smells of red fruits and spices with hints of rose. It flows easily over the palate, soft and round, gaining traction through a core of mineral, tart cherry and strawberry flavours. A crisp cranberry lingers along with edgy tannins and a hint of residual acidity that provides a lovely freshness. This is a beautiful interpretation of Monte Serra." Vinous

"The Benanti 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Monte Serra (with fruit from the Viagrande side of the volcano) shows a floral and slightly more fragrant side of Nerello Mascalese. It is packed with red berries and small background details reminiscent of volcanic rock, mountain herbs and dried lavender. On the palate, the wine is straightforward and linear with very fine and dusty tannins." Wine Advocate

"Fine garnet red colour. Animating, elegant aroma of cherry and redcurrant, fresh herbs, spicy aftertaste. Strong structure on the palate, noticeable acidity and present tannins, powerful, fruity final." Falstaff

"Aromas of strawberries and cherries emerge first on the nose, but savoury notes of herbs, spices, earth and stone soon follow. The savoury elements unfold on the palate, which is built on a foundation of salty, fleshy flavours, but a citrus tone underlines the fruit of the nose, while the acidity escalates on the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"It has a nice acidity, with chocolaty red fruits in the mouth, accompanied by lots of spice, leading to a long woody, balsamic finish." Decanter

"Aromas of fresh plums, peaches and nectarines with some lemon blossom. Some caramel. Full-bodied yet unobtrusive with wonderfully finely structured tannins that spread openly across the palate. Oranges at the end with some candied lemons." James Suckling

This elegant and very harmonious red comes 100% from the small vineyard (Contrada) Cavaliere on the south-west slope of Mount Etna. The vineyards in the municipality of Santa Maria di Licodìa develop at a considerable altitude (approx. 900 metres above sea level) with favourable conditions for all indigenous varieties, both red and white grapes, which are cultivated here with Guyot pruning. Here, both the Nerello and the Carricante grape varieties produce wines with a well-defined structure and typical varietal flavours.

Brilliant ruby red colour. Ethereal bouquet full of spice and hints of red fruit. Medium-bodied on the palate, multi-layered and with a fine acid wire tannins and acid wire that complete its elegance and harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

"Firm, somewhat Mediterranean-herbal aroma of black and red berries with cherry nuances, hints of leather, dried mushrooms and peppery, ethereal spice. Ripe, taut, very juicy, rather dark fruit with cocoa and coffee notes, crumbly-sandy, ripe tannin, some bite, persistent and dense on the palate, again dark ethereal spice, has power and some warmth, but also a certain elegance, good depth, salty mineral tones, very good, firm, juicy and spicy finish." Wein-Plus

"Initially sober and earthy, with dark fruits and fine tannins, it opens up with a little air to reveal intense, powerful black cherries, herbs, balsam and spices, balanced by good acidity. This wine definitely needs time to reveal its secrets." Decanter

"A well-spiced red, with minerally hints of iron and tar underscoring macerated cherry and strawberry fruit. Bright and tightly meshed, with a dense core of tannins emerging to firm the fragrant, herb-laced finish." Wine Spectator

"Fresh flowers with oranges, black cherries and blackberries. Very clear flavours. Subtle and complex. Full-bodied but not heavy with firm and structured tannins. Powerful and muscular, but still very agile. It still needs three or four years to develop, but is already impressive." James Suckling

"The nose is a beach flora, wild fruits and herbs grow between the cracks of the salt-encrusted rocks. The palate leans into the metallic, savoury notes, but cherries, fizzy acidity and a latent warmth provide balance." Wine Enthusiast

"The Benanti 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Cavaliere is powerful and bright with lots of primary fruit reminiscent of raspberry and redcurrant with a hint of white pepper. This vintage delivers a very clean and immediate quality of fruit that is crisp, snappy and even crunchy in texture. The winemaking style is focused and very precise. It will be interesting to see where this wine develops in three to four years' time. The way it tastes today, it definitely needs more time in the bottle." Wine Advocate

Deep red colour. Captivating aromas of sweet cherry, crushed rock and violet. Juicy, supple and perfumed, it shows excellent vinosity in the complex, very precise flavours of plums, sour cherries and dried herbs. Fine-grained tannins and a beautiful, persistent aromatic flavour characterise the long, very pure finish. Firm tannins form the backbone of this finely modelled, chiselled Nerello Mascalese and spicy notes frame the bright, powerful finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep bouquet with ripe, delicately gelled wild berries, wild cherries and redcurrants, with a hint of floral notes. There are also earthy and floral notes reminiscent of rose bush. A wonderful, elegant, concentrated wine with a clear character of origin." Weinwisser

"Aromas of cherries, oranges and flowers with a hint of smoke. Medium to full-bodied with plush, open and velvety tannins that caress the palate. It is juicy and full of flavour. Tantalising to taste even as a young wine, but it will be even better in two or three years." James Suckling

"From the most recent acquisition of the winery in the municipality of Castiglione, on the northern slope of Mount Etna, a Nerello Mascalese of great freshness and verticality. Notes of cranberry on the nose, hints of laurel, then Mediterranean scrub and nutmeg, salty and savoury on the palate, with a fruity and oily finish." Luca Gardini

The Nerello grapes (100% Mascalese) come from the northern slope of Etna from plots in the Contrada Dafara Galluzzo in the Rovittello district. Opens in a delicate ruby red colour, then fine, heady, spicy on the nose, revealing a pretty basket of red fruits after a few minutes of aeration. Initially closed on the palate, only gradually revealing its flavour facets, then medium pressure in the middle, with a very fine structure and almost Burgundian finesse and elegance. The finish is harmonious and of excellent length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium, shiny garnet red with an orange rim. Redcurrant, orange zest and pomegranate on the nose, with hints of herbs. On the palate, great fruit melting and appealing juiciness, balanced and with grippy, fine tannins." Falstaff

"A tight-knit version that offers a core of chalky tannins interwoven with chopped cherries and wild strawberries, aromatic lavender, thyme and woody spices. It's focused and gives a broad-shouldered feel without being heavy." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Etna Rosso Contrada Dafara Galluzzo has a dark and deep red colour, with an inviting bouquet of dried roses, ash, redcurrants and orange zest. It is silky smooth, elegant and refined, with a soothing wave of ripe red and blue fruits energised by a core of zesty acidity. It leaves a crisp, tart cranberry concentration that finishes with a layer of fine-grained tannins. The Dafara Galluzzo has an underlying power and complexity that will only unfold with time." Vinous

"A well-made Etna, very fresh and vivid with orange-peel and strawberry character. Medium-bodied, it has fine, vertical tannins and a lightly chewy finish. Nicely structured." James Suckling

Feudo di Mezzo Il Quadro Delle Rose smells of roses and small red berries. It is a heavy, tannic wine that requires a little patience, but finds its balance with time. A wine of exceptional finesse and great intellect. SUPERIORE.DE

"The rose-coloured and perfumed 2022 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo opens with a lovely bouquet that blends dried flowers with crushed strawberries and a hint of lavender. It displays textures of pure silk with an elevated and refined feel. Tart wild berries give it a beautiful inner tension. A web of fine-grained tannins frames the experience as the 2022 tapers off with a pickling length and a tart cranberry concentration." Vinous

"This is really structured with plenty of muscular tannins that flex, giving you fruit underneath. Seemingly born fully formed from dark and brooding soil, it goes on for minutes." James Suckling

Santo Spirito is a wonderfully complex wine that always remains in balance. It combines firmness, strength, structure and density with the flavours of dark cherries, pomegranate, blood oranges and spicy herbal notes and concludes with a furiously long final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Opening like a basket of wild berries with dusty flowers and sweet lavender, the 2022 Etna Rosso Santo Spirito is a real treat on the nose. The style is bright and pure, with ripe raspberries and blueberries mingling over a core of vibrant acidity. It is long and structured, yet remarkably fresh, leaving a subtle coating of primary concentration and fine tannins that slowly fade away. The Santo Spirito remains one of the most appealing wines in Terre Nere's portfolio, offering beautiful depth, concentration and structure in a beautifully balanced package." Vinous

"This has dark fruits, sliced mushrooms and crushed stone with terra-cotta and red-earth character in both the nose and palate. Deep citrus turns very perfumed and intense. Full and powerful with chewy tannins that extend to the finish. Needs time to soften." James Suckling

Here is a fairly new single-vineyard wine, similar in style to Santo Spirito, but with an "autumnal" component. Light ruby red in colour, with a nose of gravel, vanilla and a subtle hint of mint, plus some cranberry, cherry, nutmeg and mocha. Fresh and exciting on the palate with a sweet and sour component and a delicately bitter vein. Compact tannin that certainly deserves a few more years in the bottle. The final is herbaceous, spicy and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Etna Rosso Moganazzi is floral and airy, with hints of candy spices and chalk dust that fade into dried black cherries. The wine is round and supple, with a lavender-coloured mix of red and blue fruits, all lapped up by lively acidity. The grippy tannins emerge on the final as the 2022 tapers long and perfumed. A hint of violet candy emphasises the experience wonderfully." Vinous

"So perfumed and dreamy with flowers, citrus and hints of stone. Medium-bodied, this has fine tannins and lovely fruit in the caressing center-palate. The fresh, vivid finish ends with a bit of muscle." James Suckling

Animanaturale from vines over 60 years old is the lightest and freshest wine from the new Animaetna line of the small garage winery Contrada Santa Spirito, which belongs to Feudo Maccari. Matured almost entirely in amphorae, the Nerello Mascalese grape presents itself here in all its fruitiness and freshness, completely unadulterated and pure. The grapes are foot-pressed, spontaneous fermentation is carried out using the grapes' own yeasts, racking and bottling take place according to the phases of the moon. On the palate, the flavours of red fruits and berries are tangy and vibrant with a precise and very mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A linear Etna red with minerals, terra cotta, red dust, iron and dried character. Medium-bodied, it has succulent acidity and fine tannins underneath it all. Needs a year or two to soften." James Suckling

Tasca got involved in Etna early on and the latest result of these years of experience are four new single vineyard wines from the Tascante estate: Contrada Rampante, Pianodario, Sciaranuova and Sciaranuova Vigna Vecchia (V.V.). The wines are filigree and profound, and despite their power, acidity and taut tannin, very elegant, finesse-rich and light-footed on the palate. Each of the four plots brings a slightly different style and personality to the wine - due to the altitude, soil composition and morphology of the historic lava flows. A high annual rainfall ensures that the soil has all the water it needs, and the temperature fluctuations between day and night support the aromatic diversity of the grapes and ultimately the ripening potential.

The Contrada Rampante parcel is situated at an average altitude of 740 metres above sea level between Solicchiata and Passopisciaro. It covers an area of just 4.6 hectares of vineyards. The soils are of volcanic origin and up to 15,000 years old. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante is remarkably pretty, wafting up from the glass with dusty rose and cherry complicated by ashen stone. It soothes with its silky textures and ripe red berry fruits. Vibrant acidity maintains a lovely energy throughout. Fine tannins linger, flexing its youthful structure as the 2019 finishes potent yet fresh and wonderfully perfumed. This is a beautiful interpretation of Rampante fruit." Vinous

"Aromas of ash, baked strawberry and roasted herbs. Medium to full-bodied with silky tannins. Mineral, with some spicy herbal character, but it remains pleasantly red-fruited throughout. Very complex and balanced." James Suckling

"The Tenuta Tascante 2019 Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante takes a little longer to open up aromatically compared to some of the other wines in this impressive series from Etna. This initial shyness quickly melts away as the wine takes on more air and intensity in the glass. It shows aromas of wild cherry, rosemary or Mediterranean herbs and pressed violet. You get a good impression of the incredibly fine and articulate nature of Nerello Mascalese, especially when the grape is handled with a restrained winemaking style. There is a salty or mineral note on the finish." Wine Advocate

Benanti's latest white wine comes 100% from the small vineyard (Contrada) Cavaliere. The vineyards in the municipality of Santa Maria di Licodìa develop at a considerable altitude (approx. 900 metres above sea level) with favourable conditions for all indigenous varieties, both red and white berries, which are cultivated here with Guyot pruning. Here, both the Nerello and the Carricante produce wines with a well-defined structure and typical varietal flavours. The vines are around 50 years old and grow on sandy, volcanic soil that is rich in minerals. The climate is alpine, with little rainfall and provides the vines with a high degree of ventilation and very large temperature differences between day and night.

Straw yellow in colour with bright green reflections. The bouquet is intense, rich, generous and delicately fruity with hints of orange blossom and ripe apple. The palate is dry, mineral, harmonious with a pleasant acidity, aromatic pressure and an interesting aftertaste of aniseed and almonds. SUPERIORE.DE

"A little more mellow and riper than the Etna Bianco with its yellow-fruity character. In the mouth with a melting character that is beautifully balanced and wonderfully cushioned by the saline acidity, which also gives the wine freshness and piquancy." Weinwisser

"This bright, open-knit white crackles with acidity and shows savoury notes of white pepper and grapefruit peel, as well as hints of peach skin, smoke, preserved lemon and lentils. Salty finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Contrada Cavaliere is youthfully shy with a delicately perfumed blend of wild flowers, white smoke and green apples with gingery notes. The wine is pure, elegant and refined, with a salty minerality on the attack and crunchy fruit that gives an equally crisp feel towards the finish. The 2022 finishes colourful and long with youthful tension, a hint of salinity and a feeling of liquid stone." Vinous

"This has the richness of the 2021 vintage but isn’t heavy or ponderous. It shows intensity of flavor with pie crust, light caramel and dried fruits. Full-bodied, it has a phenolic tension and acidity that give this form. Drink now." James Suckling

The annual production of this boutique winery on Etna is just 9,000 bottles. At an altitude of 950 metres above sea level, the one and a half hectares of vines are divided into eight tiny plots and have been gradually bought up by the well-known Oenologist. The area is planted with Nerello Mascalese bush vines, which have been spared the phylloxera phylloxera and make their way through the lava-covered terraces. The single vines, which are on average 80 to 100 years old, are cultivated in the traditional, low-bush Alberello style, to which the wine owes its name. Alberelli di Giodo is extremely elegant and flavoursome and represents the minerality and finesse typical of its volcanic growing region to a remarkable degree. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light red; full-bodied, depth of fruit, inviting; juicy attack, depth of fruit, powerful, juicy, full-bodied, good tannin, pleasing." Merum

"Sparkling, brightening ruby colour with garnet rim. Finely characterised nose, with notes of pomegranate and raspberry, fine spice in the background. Lots of fine-meshed, present tannins on the palate, builds up in many layers, salty and profound, very long finish." Falstaff

"The story of Alberelli di Giodo on Mount Etna with winemaker Carlo Ferrini began with the first vintage in 2016. Eight small handkerchiefs, located at an altitude of 700-950 metres, together make up just over one hectare. The valuable vines from the time before the phylloxera plague have survived for 80 to 100 years and are cultivated according to the old Alberello system (bush training) typical of Mount Etna. The wine is fermented and macerated in open steel tanks, with gentle racking, but without pumping over. The wine is bright ruby red in colour, with the smoky and mineral character of Nerello Mascalese, full of restraint with pomegranate and wild strawberry fruit character. Super refreshing thanks to its lively fruit and acidity, it has chewy, velvety tannins on the palate with plenty of youthfulness." Decanter

"The purity of the fruit is here with strawberries, lemon peel and floral undertones. Transitions to cranberry. It's medium-bodied with firm tannins and a bright, lively and linear finish that keeps the palate clean." James Suckling

For some years now, Matteo Catania has been holding back a few hundred bottles of his wines in the best vintages in order to offer them to his most loyal importers after a few years. From this "private reserve" comes Nerosanloré 2009, which is now - in the spring of 2023 - being offered in small quantities with 10 years of further bottle ageing quasi in Riserva quality.

An exceptionally characterful and powerful Nero d'Avola is the Nerosanloré. From a beautiful vineyard in Pacchino, the area of origin of the famous vine. Mineral, vital, ripe, elegant, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The bouquet of the 2009 Nerosanlorè exudes sweet aromas of toasted oak and baking spices. This is a very elaborate red wine that shows the craftsmanship and work of the winemaker. The bouquet is complex with aromas of ripe fruit, blackberry compote, tobacco and lots of spices from the long oak ageing. In addition, the wine offers abundant tertiary aromas of liquorice, resin and tar. This is a very attractive red wine that brings all the power and sunshine of Sicily to your glass. At 14.5% alcohol, it has power and determination." Wine Advocate

"Notes of pureed black cherries and dates mingle with dried herbs, mocha and black olive tapenades in this juicy red wine framed by gentle tannins. Harmonious and fresh, with a lingering aniseed-flavoured finish." Wine Spectator

"Beautiful full ruby red. Overripe aromas of black cherries, capers, sun-dried tomatoes and sweet oak lifted by a floral top note. Fat and sweet in the mouth, with a high, liqueur-like quality to the ripe red fruits and salty bottom notes. It finishes with creamy, smooth tannins and excellent length. VINOUS

The mineral Archineri made from the ancient Carricante grape from vines at an altitude of around 900 metres 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 old, ungrafted vines! SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh, engaging aromas of apple, pear, light-coloured stone fruit and flowers. Very juicy on the palate, wonderfully balanced with good freshness, a silky texture and a savoury final. The white Archineri already delivers consistently high quality for the price." Weinwisser

"Medium bright straw yellow with light reflections. Fine aromas of vineyard peach, mint, salted lemon and a hint of nutmeg on the nose. Very fresh and salty on the palate, straightforward and with a long final of citrus zest and fine minerality." Falstaff

"The 2022 Etna Bianco Archineri smells of a savoury blend of dusty dried flowers, shaved ginger and lime zest. It is round and supple, with a lovely inner sweetness and ripe orchard fruit balanced by a core of palpable minerals. The lively acidity makes for a pleasant final with medium length that leaves a hint of candied citrus and fresh mint." Vinous

"The nose is strongly characterised by citrus and stone fruit, but a subtle floral aroma adds elegance. The palate also begins citrus-driven before deeper, richer flavours of nuts, honey and herbs emerge. The salty finish brings a pleasant, unifying coolness." Wine Enthusiast

"Very pure and mineral nose, giving a stony, precise feel, almost as if you were sniffing in a quarry. Also some smoked tarragon and lemon peel. Impressive tension on the mid-palate with stimulating acidity and minerality. Pure and long. Delicious." James Suckling

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

"Remarkably pretty, the 2020 Etna Rosso Santo Spirito wafts up with a lifted blend of black cherries and dried strawberries, complemented by hints of clove and allspice. It’s soothingly round, with pretty red berry fruits motivated by vibrant acidity as rosy inner florals and licorice tones form toward the close. This tapers off with a classic tannic grip, maintaining fantastic freshness. The 2020 possesses a lovely balance that will carry it through its long and broad drinking window." Vinous

"Captivating minerals, white pepper, mezcal, orange peel and a wild, sulphurous flavour. Really juicy and broad on the palate with firm, powdery tannins that dissolve in the long, savoury finish." James Suckling

"The nose is full of bright, energetic notes of cherry, strawberry and blood orange, but undertones of sage and pencil shavings add depth and nuance. On the palate, a crackle of pepper reveals the bitterness of the orange notes, while structured tannins and bright acidity support the citrus tartness." Wine Enthusiast

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

"A herbaceous, spicy bouquet with Mediterranean culinary herbs such as sage and oregano, followed by floral accents of rose petals and peonies. On the palate, it is compact and almost sparse with a linear structure, which is reinforced by the earthy-mineral character and the supporting tannins, with the typical salty smokiness and fine red fruit on the juicy final." Weinwisser

"Bright ruby red with a brightening rim. Somewhat closed on the nose, delicate flint with red berry fruit. Barren and stony on the palate, shows a fine saltiness, very young, yet harmonious and balanced, constantly juicy on the final, beautiful length." Falstaff

"A floral, herbaceous bouquet with notes of sage, oregano, tomatoes, roses and peonies. On the palate, a dash of balsamic vinegar and a pinch of pepper add further nuances to the waltz of savoury herbs and flowers. The tannins emphasise the earthiness, while the acidity introduces a fruity element that is both sweet and tart." Wine Enthusiast

"An evolutionary nose of dried roses, figs and baked plums leads to a palate with lively acidity and a hint of rosewater. Exotic, bazaar-like flavours, rich exotic fruit minerality and charming floral fruitiness. Delicate smoke, round texture, fine tannins, juicy bitter cherry finish. Slightly tart." Decanter

"Ripe, spicy nose for an Etna Rosso with lots of orange peel, white pepper, cloves and mandarins. Also some stones and sage. Firm and full-bodied with a mineral texture that lightly coats the palate. Broad-shouldered tannins with a long, mineral finish." James Suckling

"The 2020 Etna Rosso Archineri is earthy, dark and brooding, with a youthfully backward bouquet of ashen stones, grilled herbs and dried berries. It is silky smooth, with ripe wild berries accompanied by a hint of blood orange. A salty core of minerality saturates towards the end. This leaves a lingering tension on the palate. The lively acidity tantalises the senses and the fine tannins penetrate deeply, leading to a dramatically long, structured and intense final." Vinous

Just 9,000 bottles make up the annual production of this boutique winery from Etna. At 950 metres above sea level, the one-and-a-half hectares of vines, divided into eight tiny plots, are gradually bought up by the renowned Oenologist. The area is planted with Nerello Mascalese bush vines, which have been spared the phylloxera vine louse and make their way through the lava-covered terraces.

The single vines, which are on average 80 to 100 years old, are cultivated in the traditional, low-bush Alberello style, to which the wine also owes its name. Alberelli di Giodo is of extreme elegance and spiciness and represents to a remarkable degree the minerality and finesse typical of its volcanic growing region. SUPERIORE.DE

"From 2 hectares, the well-known Tuscan Oenologist Carlo Ferrini produces his own Brunello di Montalcino from Podere Giodo as well as a Sicilian red wine from Etna called Albarelli di Giodo. It is made from the local, Burgundy-like grape variety Nerello Mascalese and has the typical delicate colour. Quite fruity and very accessible, the Albarello di Giodo presents itself as an inviting, harmonious interpretation with a sweet, Tuscan touch. Deep, fine and very balanced also in the mouth, the delicate tannins are enveloped by Tuscan-like sweetness." Weinwisser

"Bright, radiant ruby red. In the nose hearty, of rich cherries, wet stone, some black truffle, in addition noble nuances of tea. On the palate radiant and juicy, showing fine creamy nuances, currently also still with very young tannin, in the final with firm grip and pressure." Falstaff

"Dark cherries and dried flowers with pumice and spices on the nose. Medium to full body with tight, firm tannins. Racy, with wonderful depth. From old vines with an average age of 70 years." James Suckling

"The Alberelli di Giodo 2019 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese is a wine true to its volcanic roots. This elegant grape variety reveals a tight embroidery of aromas with wild rose, sour cherry, white pepper and campfire ash. The tannins are polished and long, and this deftly made Nerello Mascalese is endowed with plenty of natural freshness and tart berry flavors that drive a long, nuanced finish. This is another super star bottle from winemaker Carlo Ferrini." 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 Contrada Rampante near Solicchiata generally produces wines that are rather poor in minerals. This is partly due to the altitude of around 750 to 800 metres above sea level, but also to the special composition of the soil. The wine is lean and taut, almost "austere", the mineral spiciness and the upright tannin structure initially support the impression of a certain austerity, which here, however, thanks to its maturity, is even reminiscent of a top Brunello thanks to its melting texture and fine Amarena fruit." Weinwisser

"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 aromas of ripe wild strawberries and black cherries. The palate is muscular, but with a beautifully taut and mineral centre, fresh and energetic, with ripe blueberries and a hint of chocolate on the long 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 in the further course, with enormous juiciness and the power and persistence for a very respectable finish and a long life. Only 1,200 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of ripe plums and clafoutis lead to a good concentration of fruit that is austere at first but promises to open up nicely. Fresh floral notes mingle with spicy complexity, revealing the richness of dark fruits, finely structured with balanced tannins and freshness. A Cate Blanchett-like elegance, followed by a powerful, substantial finish." Decanter

"On the nose, there are mainly aromas of earth, tar, undergrowth and soy sauce, but also tart fruit notes that provide a certain spiciness. On the palate, a pinch of salt and pepper as well as strong tannins and acidity ensure that both the slightly metallic earthiness and the tart fruit elements develop into a multi-layered tapestry." Wine Enthusiast

"Pale to medium ruby-garnet colour. Very mineral nose with gravel, iron, some bitter orange, wild herbs and savoury berries. Huge tannins and high acidity on an austere palate with a full body and a mineral finish. Lots of tension here and yet elegant. A mineral and rather Barolo-like Etna Rosso." James Suckling

"Dusty, floral and slightly spicy, the 2020 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo entices from the first tilt of the glass. It floods the palate with textures of pure silk, complicated by tactile mineral tones and brisk acidity as crunchy red berry fruits cascade throughout. A tart cranberry crunchiness takes hold through the structured finale as violet inner florals slowly fade. This is a simply stunning rendition of Feudo di Mezzo. Bravo." Vinous

For some years now, Matteo Catania has been holding back a few hundred bottles of his wines in the best vintages in order to offer them to his most loyal importers after a few years. From this "private reserve" comes Nerosanloré 2010, which is now - in spring 2023 - offered in small quantities with 9 years of further bottle ageing quasi in Riserva quality.

Bright red. Precise, brooding aromas of ripe red cherries, flint, orange peel, cinnamon, lavender and violets, complicated by iodine and earth. Silky and juicy with a refined but very concentrated extract that tantalises the taste buds but remains lively and not at all heavy, adding lovely definition and lift to the red cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral flavours. The finish is very deep and long, with very soft tannins, a fascinating fragrance in the mouth and extreme finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fully saturated ruby. Pure, very deep aromas of black cherry, red plum, medicinal herbs and minerals. Rich, dense and suave, with complex flavors of saline red berries and dark plum complicated by repeating botanical herb and balsamic nuances. Finishes seamless an long. A wine of noteworthy purity, with an excellent balance of sweetness, acidity and tannins. This is Gulfi's closest vineyard to the sea and almost always gives the estate's most elegant, refined wine." Vinous

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 nose is simultaneously delicate and earthy, with aromas of dirt, stone and herbs, but also cherry blossoms and cranberries. The palate is defined by a richer, fuller cherry element, but undertones of salt and citrus, along with a powerful electric current of acid, elicit excitement." Wine Enthusiast

"Tar, graphite, dried roses, dark minerals and oranges with just a hint of earthy sweet spices. Structured and full-bodied on the palate with a heap of dusty tannins and a lengthy, cohesive finish." James Suckling

"Hauntingly dark and floral, the 2020 Etna Rosso Rampante smolders up with an array of dusty violets, lavender, cloves and earth tones before giving way to musky black currants. This is sleek and cool-toned in feel, showing its crisp minerality up front as tart wild berry fruits emerge over a core of sour citrus and spice. Structured and long yet still remarkably fresh, the 2020 finishes with dramatic length and concentration, leaving a hint of licorice and saline minerals that pinch at the cheeks. Patience will be required for this strapping Etna Rosso to come to full maturity." Vinous