Nerello

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 with great intellect. SUPERIORE.DE

"This charming red is well-balanced and fresh, firmed by fine-grained tannins and displaying a deftly woven range of wild strawberry and black raspberry, Earl Grey tea, rosehip, minerally stone and spice. Chewy finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo impresses with a dark and rich bouquet that pulls you close with notes of sugar-dusted plums, cloves, spiced citrus peels and hints of pine. It fleshes out across the palate with a salty mix of red berries and wild herbs, more lifted than anticipated yet potent. Grippy tannins mount toward the close. For all of its underlying power, the 2019 tapers off amazingly fresh, yet also structured, with a mix of inner violet and rose. Feudo di Mezzo combines both vivid fruit and the vertical build for a long and steady maturation." Vinous

"Dark spice, new leather, wild berry and eucalyptus are some of the aromas you'll find on this lovely red. Sleek and sultry, the elegant palate offers Marasca cherry, raspberry, cedar and star anise alongside lithe, fine-grained tannins. Enjoy through 2029." Wine Enthusiast

"A powerful Etna red with plenty of black-cherry and licorice character, plus a robust tannin structure. However, it also has a very exciting, cool and bright side, which comes out ever more clearly at the long, racy finish." James Suckling

After almost twenty years of experience in the vinification of the famous Etna Rosso "Serra della Contessa", the Benanti family decided in 2015 to extend the vinification, ageing and refinement of the wine to 60 months. The result is an exclusive Riserva made from 85% Mascalese and 15% Cappuccio, produced in small quantities from vines over 100 years old (pre-phylloxera) from plot no. 587, which is rightly considered one of the best red wines in the region.

Bright ruby red with light garnet-coloured reflections. Ethereal and intense on the nose, with hints of wild berries, spices, precious wood and traces of white smoke. Full, elegant, harmonious and mineral on the palate, with terrificelegance and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"The nose effortlessly blends savory aromas of soil, clean wood and salt with the semisweet astringency of hibiscus, rose petals and wild strawberries. On the palate, raspberries briefly bolster the strawberry, before a powerful earthiness takes over. Acid brings a glint of spice as it sparks off polished, smooth tannins." Decanter

"Crushed stones, rose petals and dried strawberries form a dusty and dark, seductive bouquet when the 2017 Etna Rosso Riserva Serra della Contessa rises from the glass. It is silky-soft and elegant in style. Polished red fruits and mineral tones provide traction under a hint of violet flowers on the inside. A hint of sour citrus fruit combined with a touch of residual acidity provides balance, even if the grippy tannins persist on the long and structured final. Today, the 2017 is primary, but its potential is very great." Vinous

"What fantastic aromas of dried flowers, cloves, smoke and cherries. The wine is medium-bodied with creamy and round tannins that are polished and beautiful. Intensely flavoured. Drinkable now, but it will age beautifully." James Suckling

After almost thirty years of experience in the vinification of the famous Etna Rosso "Rovittello", the Benanti family decided in 2015 to extend the vinification, ageing and refinement of the wine to 60 months. The result is an exclusive Riserva, produced in small quantities from vines over 100 years old from plot no. 341, which is rightly considered one of the best red wines in the region. The Nerello grapes (85% Mascalese/15% Cappuccio) come from a terraced vineyard (pre-phylloxera) in the Contrada Dafara Galluzzo in the upper area of Rovittello, part of the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia.

Pale ruby colour with light garnet tones. Fine, ethereal, floral, intense, spicy, delicate bouquet with hints of ripe fruit, young, tanned leather and cedar wood. Firm and powerful on the palate, it only opens up gradually and then gradually reveals its depth and secrets, which are characterised by impressive weightlessness and elegance. An extremely harmonious red with meditation potential - mineral and remarkably persistent! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Etna Rosso Riserva Rovittello blossoms in the glass with a remarkably pretty mix of roses, lilacs and violets before giving way to dried strawberries and sweet smoke. This wine is surprisingly round and juicy, driven by lively acidity, with crisp red fruits and blueberries spilling over the austere mineral core. Hints of sour citrus combine with lavender and tart blackberries as the 2017 finishes lightly textured and refined. Even though this version of the Rovittello Riserva is slightly younger than previous vintages, it is a truly beautiful wine with the balance for a long and steady evolution." Vinous

"The nose balances tart cherries and cranberries with savory undertones of pencil lead, herbs and medicinal licorice, before the palate leans into sweeter fruit, without losing that medicinal quality. Contoured tannins and lively acid accentuate a latent, earthy smokiness." Wine Enthusiast

"Wonderfully perfumed with fresh flowers such as hibiscus as well as cherry and watermelon character. Also gravel. Medium body, firm and silky tannins with brightness and tension. Some smoke and tar on the finish. Still a little reserved. Drink it after 2025." James Suckling

"It shines with its marvellous aroma of wild strawberries, woody and delicate. In the mouth, it shows its taut, vertical structure and intense, lively and concentrated red fruits, with dusty, woody and balsamic nuances. Despite its obvious power and weight, it is light on its feet and deserves to spend some time in the bottle before opening." Decanter

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 delicate 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 Sciaranuova parcel is situated at an average altitude of 730 metres above sea level between the villages of Montelaguardia and Passopisciaro. It covers an area of about 4.9 hectares of vineyards. The soils are of volcanic origin and up to 40,000 years old. Within the Sciaranuova parcel is a small cru site whose vines were planted in 1961. The bottles, produced in very small quantities, are labelled "Vigna Vecchia". Compared to its "younger brother", this rare wine shows increased complexity, depth and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby. Great concentration of red fruit on the nose. Real depth. Red cherry with dark-earth notes and hints of white pepper. Very pure and focused red-fruit palate but not open by far. Gentle tannic structure framing the fruit. Nervy yet full cherry finish with coating tannins." Jancis Robinson

"A graceful red, with finely meshed flavors of raspberry puree and black cherry gliding across the palate. Delicate accents of ground white pepper, anise, sweet smoke and dried sage add depth, lingering prettily alongside the light, taut tannins on the creamy finish." Wine Spectator

"Made with fruit from old vines, the Tenuta Tascante 2017 Etna Rosso Contrada Sciaranuova V.V. is powerful and delicate at the same time, and it strikes a careful balance between these two opposing forces. This is one of the biggest compliments you can give to a wine from Etna, one of the most dramatic and violent winemaking panoramas on Earth. This lovely Nerello Mascalese shows aromas of cherry and wild rose with toasted nut, scorched earth and lavender essence. The concentration and staying power from those old vines add considerably to the depth, tannic power and complexity of this age-worthy bottle." Wine Advocate

"Bright, radiant ruby red with a gently lightening rim. Great, fragrant nose, of geranium blossoms, rose hips, oranges, some pomegranate, very red-fruity-fresh, with fine spices in the aftertaste. On the palate polished and with clear fruit, spreads gently and steadily growing over the tongue, pithy and clear, in the finish extremely finesse-rich and long." Falstaff

"Intense, ripe and textured, it displays a good concentration of fleshy red fruits with notes of liquorice, balsam, cocoa, leather and soft spices. Broad-shouldered and ageable, it finishes elegantly with a long, mineral tang." Decanter

"Wow. Such a beautiful, old-vine red with strawberry and cherry aromas, as well hints of hazelnuts and roses. It’s full, very creamy and polished. Extremely long and flavorful. Gorgeous wine all around." James Suckling

Every year one of the great single-vineyard wines of the Tenuta, representing in a highly complex way the special terroir of the high altitudes on Etna. Dark red fruits, orange peel and flowers on the nose. Then juicy fruit, wonderful depth and a finely chiselled tannin structure. A subtle spiciness on the finish and always present the outstanding structure, length and elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of wild herb, violet, red berry and a hint of hazelnut come to the forefront. Taut and focused, the ethereally elegant palate offers red cherry, blood orange, star anise and a hint of espresso before a saline close. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity provide graceful support." Wine Enthusiast

"Dried raspberry and kirsch notes are rich and juicy on the palate of this expressive, medium- to full-bodied red, accented by candied violet and star anise aromatics. It's well-balanced and mouthwatering, with an underpinning of racy minerality driving the chewy finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2018 Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana keeps you at the edge of the glass, taking in its earthy yet gorgeous bouquet. Waves of crushed ashen stone, peppery herbs, blackberries and roses lift up effortlessly. This is silky in texture, with an unbelievably pure and vivid display of red fruits laced with salty minerals, as brisk acids create a sweet-and-sour tug of tension toward the close. The cheeks pucker, saturated with youthful tannin, as the 2018 Calderara Sottana clamps down hard, leaving only a hint of licorice and tart red berries in its wake. Close your eyes, and you might think this was a young, top-shelf Serralunga Barolo." Vinous

"So floral and fresh with cherries, watermelon, apples, crushed stone and flowers on the nose. It's medium-to full-bodied with firm tannins and fresh, vivid acidity that takes you down the palate." James Suckling

Every year one of the great single-vineyard wines of the Tenuta, representing in a highly complex way the special terroir of the high altitudes on Etna. Dark red fruits, orange peel and flowers on the nose. Then juicy fruit, wonderful depth and a finely chiselled tannin structure. A subtle spiciness on the finish and always present the outstanding structure, length and elegance! SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of French oak, camphor and Mediterranean brush lead the nose. Reflecting the aromas, the linear palate features coconut, vanilla, raw oak and cranberry before a saline finish. Taut, fine-grained tannins provide support." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana slowly blossoms in the glass, unfurling with a layered and deep display of black cherries, licorice camphor and pine. Further swirling unlocks balsam herbs, plum sauce and dusty rose. It rushes the palate with a wave of silken textures, filling the senses with red currants, blueberry and hints of candied citrus. Fine tannins emerge through the finale, previously masked by ripe inner fruits, making for a lightly structured finish. A salty flourish gives way to hints of graphite and black licorice that linger on and on. While I’m accustomed to Calderara Sottana being one of the more structured and backward wines from the Terre Nere portfolio, the 2019 possesses an early appeal that I find quite attractive. That said, there’s an underlying power here that only cellaring will unlock." Vinous

"If you love big Barolos, then this Etna red is a wine for you! Packed with ripe damson-plum character, this is rich, concentrated and well-structured with concentrated tannins that build on the moderately dry, silky finish." James Suckling

"Sottana lies on an ancient lava flow and hosts centenarian vines. Spice and graphite blends with aromas of violet, berry fruits and Mediterranean scrub. Long and dynamic in the mouth, with a splendid savoury note a flinty, mineral undercurrent and lithe, polished tannins. Captivating complexity." Decanter

Only around 2,000 bottles of this noble Riserva are filled each year. With a rich aroma of black berries, balsamic nuances and spices as well as an expansive flavour - full and clear - this great wine perfectly combines finesse, elegance and softness. SUPERIORE.DE

"In the nose with wild herbal aromas and earthy-mineral notes, undergrowth, walnuts, ash and warm earth. Full-bodied in the mouth with a well-defined body, beautiful substance with savoury nuances, quite long with a salty final." Weinwisser

"This is a wild and earthy red wine with notes of watermelon, walnuts, ash, minerals and earth. It has a medium body and nice substance. Long, savoury and spicy." James Suckling

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Zottorinoto is dark, floral and earthy in the glass, with a mix of grilled herbs, crushed rocks and blackberries making up its bouquet. It shows silky textures and masses of mineral red and black fruits. Hints of cocoa emerge towards the end. It finishes with a layer of fine tannins and a hint of primary concentration, balanced by a touch of residual acidity that maintains a fantastic freshness despite its youthful structure." Vinous

"Slightly creamy and with a silky texture, it combines balsamic herbal touches with red and blue berries, ending on a twist of orange peel. Undergoing extended ageing this Riserva from contrada Zottorinoto in Castiglione di Sicilia is bigger and also has higher perceived acidity compared to Feudo di Mezzo. Sapid, saline and intense, it's a beautifully crafted wine." Decanter

After almost thirty years of experience in the vinification of the famous Etna Rosso "Rovittello", the Benanti family decided in 2015 to extend the vinification, ageing and refinement of the wine to 60 months. The result is an exclusive Riserva, produced in small quantities from vines over 100 years old from plot no. 341, which is rightly considered one of the best red wines in the region. The Nerello grapes (85% Mascalese/15% Cappuccio) come from a terraced vineyard (pre-phylloxera) in the Contrada Dafara Galluzzo in the upper area of Rovittello, part of the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia.

Pale ruby colour with light garnet tones. Fine, ethereal, floral, intense, spicy, delicate bouquet with hints of ripe fruit, young, tanned leather and cedar wood. Firm and powerful on the palate, it only opens up gradually and then gradually reveals its depth and secrets, which are characterised by impressive weightlessness and elegance. An extremely harmonious red with meditation potential - mineral and remarkably persistent! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby-garnet colour. Complex and inviting nose, flavours of cinchona bark, ripe strawberries, some light tobacco in the background. Grippy, very finely layered tannins on the palate, clearly defined fruit, juicy, firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Cedar and dried flowers with some plum and orange-peel aromas that follow through to a medium body, fine tannins and a crunchy finish. Just a hint of wood at the end." James Suckling

"Elegant yet exuberant, with flavours of cherry, rose, strawberry and juniper that glide gracefully across the silky palate. Underlined by mineral tar and leather notes, this red wine is long and refreshing, with firm but plushly textured tannins on the finish." Wine Spectator

After almost twenty years of experience in the vinification of the famous Etna Rosso "Serra della Contessa", the Benanti family decided in 2015 to extend the vinification, ageing and refinement of the wine to 60 months. The result is an exclusive Riserva made from 85% Mascalese and 15% Cappuccio, produced in small quantities from vines over 100 years old (pre-phylloxera) from plot no. 587, which is rightly considered one of the best red wines in the region.

Bright ruby red with light garnet-coloured reflections. Ethereal and intense on the nose, with hints of wild berries, spices, precious wood and traces of white smoke. Full, elegant, harmonious and mineral on the palate, with terrificelegance and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, sparkling ruby-garnet colour. Inviting nose with notes of ripe cherries, some strawberry and coffee powder. Full-bodied and gripping on the palate, shows plenty of grippy tannins, unfortunately a little rough on the final." Falstaff

"The warm, baked cherry and plum fruit in this graceful red exhibits a hint of menthol. Smooth, creamy tannins are seamlessly integrated, while fragrant details of tar, iron, singed orange peel and rooibos tea linger on the firm, lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"Evolved style with milk-chocolate, meaty and balsamic tones combined with red cherries and red berries. The palate is soft with elegant tannins, crisp acidity and a restrained smokiness in the aftertaste. Very savory yet lacks a bit of energy." 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

"From ancient bush trees in high vineyards: finely chiselled aromas of raspberries and blossoms, also balsamic facets; noble texture, the acidity and tannins wonderfully modelled, long, fresh and fruity and yet extremely elegant. Very successful." Vinum

"Bright, light ruby red colour. Intriguing nose, delicate fruity notes, reminiscent of raspberries and cherries, followed by dried herbs and a hint of black truffle. Lively and precise on the palate, starts with a lot of juice, firm tannin structure and dancing acidity, spicy final, good length." Falstaff

"Transparent ruby red colour. Rich and yet with plenty of pace. And some light animal notes." Jancis Robinson

"Cola, tobacco, cinnamon and baked cherries. Freshness and lift from the start, super fresh with a juicy succulence that is so inviting. A clean palate with a gentle flavour drive. Feels well crafted with finesse. Balanced with so much juicy goodness, lovely velvety tannins and sweet strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate fruit on the palate. It will also develop superbly with time in the glass. This wine certainly has power, depth and vigour. A wine to age." Decanter

"A medium-bodied, very dense and precise red wine with focused, firm tannins framing smooth layers of cranberry, blackberry, stone, slate and tobacco. Also a hint of dried fruit. Mineral and stony. The wine has the character of old vines, with plenty of bark and spice on the finish. Try it from 2024 onwards." James Suckling

"The 2020 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese from Carlo Ferrini opens with a beautiful ruby red colour and an elegant, slender appearance. The wine offers tart cherry fruit, cassis, blue flowers, iron ore and orange peel. These different layers come together with balanced intensity. This vintage shows tremendous elegance and tannins that melt slowly and persistently on the palate. This bottle offers a very authentic and classic expression of the Sicilian volcano." Wine Advocate

"It is a pure Nerello Mascalese, preceded by a measured maceration on the skins and then refined in tonneaux. It has notes of black cherry, a hint of rhubarb, a touch of marjoram and black peppercorns. Spicy on the palate, with a fruity, spicy finish and hints of undergrowth." Luca Gardini

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

"The grapes for the red wine grow outside the DOC at over 950 metres above sea level and are planted with 80 to 100-year-old Nerello Mascalese bush vines. Wonderful, Burgundian-like nose with red berries, the finest cherries as well as subtle florality and smoky spice. On the palate, it has an elegant structure with a mineral and earthy centre, supported by fine acidity and fine, juicy, ripe tannins." Weinwisser

"Medium, bright ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Lots of herbs and some fruit on the nose, thyme, dried oregano and some lemon balm, juicy raspberries and redcurrants. Very animating on the palate, straightforward and with a fine fruit core, appealing length and fine-grained tannins." Falstaff

"Aromas of plum, iron and pumice with some flowers. It is medium-bodied with powdery, fine tannins. It is complex and elegant, yet very structured. Very long and concentrated. Wild finish with an undertone of lava. Directly above the Contrada di Rapante. Drinkable, but better in two or three years." James Suckling

Graci's fourth vintage Sopra il Pozzo is a "selection from the selection" and comes from the Arcurìa vineyard. It is the red archetype of an Etna Rosso, a Nerello cru with the clear DNA of the volcanic-stony terroir. Light ruby with orange reflections, candied fruit on the nose, cooling firewood, some aniseed and herbs. The palate is silky without being smooth, its subtle wood and delicate acid wire harmonise perfectly with the flanking tannin until the unforgettable, mineral-salty finish. Only 2,300 bottles were bottled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant berry flavours, also fine spicy notes, hot stone, chocolate; polished structure, balanced and perfectly rounded, the tannins fine-grained and well-integrated, supported by the firm acidity." Vinum

"A fresh and flavoursome Etna red wine with fine, firm tannins and crisp acidity. Bright redcurrants, mushrooms and lemon zest. Medium body. Crisp finish." James Suckling

"A graceful red, seamlessly knit and fresh, with aromas and flavors of dried strawberry and cherry, forest floor, dried thyme and mocha. This is fine and creamy, expanding on the palate while still showing supple definition from the taut, well-knit tannins. Long and minerally on the finish." Wine Spectator

"This 2018 shows an elegant cherry and petrol aroma with a medicinal touch. Intense, very tangy and fresh flavours of bitter cherry stones and subliminally sweet strawberries mingle on the fine, juicy and well-balanced palate, leading to a long, salty finish." Decanter

"The Graci 2018 Etna Rosso Arcurìa Sopra il Pozzo is a wine that develops in the glass. It unfolds with a sweet side that contrasts with a savoury or volcanic side. Sopra il Pozzo is a special site within the Contrada Arcurìa at an altitude of 650 metres. The tannins are well integrated and the bouquet is ethereal or almost fragile. This is a feature of this cooler vintage, and it may turn out to have a much longer drinking window than expected." Wine Advocate

"A beguiling blend of plum sauce, rum-soaked cherries, mint and balsamic spice makes the noble 2018 Etna Rosso Arcuria Sopra il Pozzo unmissable. It is a paragon of purity, elevated and refined, with textures of pure silk and pretty red berry fruit dazzling over a core of vibrant acidity. Salty minerals slowly saturate and emerge on the final, along with sweet tannins and a hint of violet pastille that linger on and on. The 2018 Sopra il Pozzo is simply stunning and should not be missed. It is easily one of the top wines of the vintage." Vinous

Alberto Gracis top wine Quota 1000 Contrada Barbabecchi comes from the northeast slope of the Etna from the highest vineyard at 1000 to 1100m altitude. The Nerello-Mascalese vines are about 100 years old, and the yields are correspondingly low. Sparkling purple. In the bouquet fine notes of small red berries and wild cherry, in addition fig, thyme and liquorice. On the palate highly complex and of a unique harmony and elegance. A deep, almost infinite wine with an unforgettable finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A harmonious red, featuring bright wild cherry and violet notes married to rich hints of fig cake and dried thyme, showing a streak of salinity. Medium-bodied and aromatic, with sculpted tannins firming the lingering finish of spice and graphite. Fresh and lively." Wine Spectator

"Luminous red. Deep spicy perfume of red cherry and minerals on the knockout nose. The pure flavors of Oriental spices and ripe red fruit are very fresh and light on their feet. Closes long and suave, with noteworthy vibrancy. Made from Nerello Mascalese grown at about 1,000 meters above sea level on the northern slope of Etna in the Barbabecchi contrada." Vinous

"Alberto Graci has created a gorgeous wine - the best I have yet tasted from his winery - in the form of the 2014 Quota 1000 Barbabecchi. This wine represents many of the ideals that I would imagine finding if I were in front of the archetypal Etna Rosso. By the way, because these vineyards are about the appellation limit of 1,000 meters above sea level, this wine is technically not in the appellation. Funny how that works out, because this wine is indeed so reflective of that specific Etna identity. I tasted this wine twice: once when I first opened the bottle and once again 12 hours later. I did this with all my top-scoring reds in this report. This vintage is powerful, tonic, dry and tart. It offers a graceful, almost fragile first impression but then delivers a song succession of berry, smoke and ash flavors that drive the very long finish." Wine Advocate

Etna Rosso Prephylloxera Vigna di Don pepis a breathtakingly elegant, small-production Etna Rosso. Iridescent, pure dark red colour and an infinitely broad fruity aroma. Impeccable balance and structure on the palate. The tannins are present and yet wonderfully elegant and balanced. An explosive wine made from 100 per cent Nerello Mascalese - and from ancient vines in Calderara and Santo Spirito. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Etna Rosso Prephylloxera La Vigna di Don pepCalderara Sottana is a feast for the eyes. The colour alone stuns the mind: a translucent ruby red that misleads the taster into expecting a delicate and lifted effort. The wine opens slowly in the glass, smoky and intense, with hints of ash and rosemary. A core of crushed wild berries and exotic spices comes to the fore. It is highly structured yet deceptively energetic, with silky waves of dark red fruit washing over the palate, leaving a salty hint of minerals and savoury herbs. A complex web of fine-grained tannins squeezes tightly and is balanced by a savoury residual acidity, while the inner flowers and a hint of tangerine slowly evaporate. Patience is required." Vinous

"This seamless, graceful red is long and supple, with a subtle, plump juiciness in the palette of red-hot cherries and dried raspberries, showing notes of fresh loamy earth, dried tea roses and thyme, dark chocolate and smoke. Fine-grained tannins firm up the lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"Dusty and spicy with just a hint of orange peel overlaying some deep, dark berry scents, in the mouth it has a beautiful expression of sweet, concentrated balsam-laced red and black fruits showing levity and balance on a soft palate. There's floral depth to find here, given focus by the bright acidity, while the fine tannins cradle the succulent, joyous fruit. Persistent and vibrant." Decanter

"This wine has impressive depth and complexity with an array of red and dark berry flavours mixed with dark chocolate, ground spice and burnt orange peel. All these flavours lie on a bed of smoked, ashy, dark stone and wet asphalt undertones. Full and deep with very fine, silky tannins. So much tension and power here. It lasts for minutes and ends with a seamless, structured finish. From old vines from before the phylloxera plague. Try it now, but it will age beautifully. Best after 2026." James Suckling

Gracis Sopra il Pozzo is a "selection from the selection" and comes from the Arcurìa vineyard. It is a Nerello cru with the clear DNA of the volcanic-stony terroir. Light ruby in colour with orange reflections, it has a nose of candied fruit, cooling firewood, some aniseed and herbs. The palate is silky without being smooth, its subtle wood and delicate acid wire harmonise perfectly with the flanking tannin until the unforgettable, mineral-salty finish. Only 2,300 bottles were bottled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of redcurrants, ripe plums and dried, spicy herbs such as rosemary and thyme, with a smoky note. Medium body with soft but incisive tannins. A hint of sweet leather and mushrooms in the aftertaste." James Suckling

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Arcuria Sopra il Pozzo is impossible to ignore, with a mélange of exotic spices, blood orange, incense and dried black cherries forming its bouquet. It's surprisingly juicy and energetic, with vibrant acidity and tactile mineral tones up front that further enhance its tart wild berry fruits. It tapers off classically dry and structured, leaving a pleasantly bitter tinge and fine-grained tannins that penetrate deeply. An air of violet inner florals and lavender lingers on the close. This is beautifully balanced and complex. The 1.5-hectare Sopra il Pozzo parcel contains soils that are a variation of volcanic sand and stone." Vinous

Etna Rosso Prephylloxera Vigna di Don pepis a breathtakingly elegant, small-production Etna Rosso. Iridescent, pure dark red colour and an infinitely broad fruity aroma. Impeccable balance and structure on the palate. The tannins are present and yet wonderfully elegant and balanced. An explosive wine made from 100 per cent Nerello Mascalese - and from ancient vines in Calderara and Santo Spirito. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Etna Rosso Prephylloxera La Vigna di Don pepCalderara Sottana 2022 is seductive and youthfully backward. It exudes a blend of sweet spices, dusty violets and ash that fades into dried black cherries, sage and cloves. This wine is velvety yet refined, with a polished wave of ripe red and blue fruit flowing over a juicy stream of acidity. A hint of sour citrus contrasts towards the end. The finish is remarkably fresh and energetic, still tannic but lively as crisp tannins linger and a hint of lavender slowly fades. This is an elegant and truly harmonious edition of this cuvée. Simply stunning." Vinous

"A fascinating wine showing flower stems, orange peel and bark with some dried mushrooms. The structure and length are exceptional with a medium to full body and tight, focused tannins. Ends with a persistent, polished and refined finish. Caresses in every sense. Better in five years but if you get the chance to drink now, go for it!" James Suckling

Passorosso is a single-varietal Nerello Mascalese that shows fine garnet-red reflections in its bright ruby red. Proud and fascinating, it presents an intense bouquet of red berries, coffee and olives. Its engaging taste convinces with clear, well-defined fruit and pronounced minerality. Graceful and special. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy aroma of black cherry and plum, mint and a little graphite accompany the fruit. It also shows juice and power on the palate, dark cherries are structured by a grippy tannin. The acidity gives the wine a lot of freshness. The grapes for the wine come from 80 to 120 year old vines." Vinum

"The Etna Rosso Passorosso 2020 has a bright and powerful bouquet with blackcurrants, rosemary sprigs, white pepper, cola and ferrous earth or rusty nails. The bouquet has a sanguine, almost metallic note. As it progresses, the wine shows medium texture, firm tannins and good length." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Passorosso is spicy and shows dried flowers, hints of cardamom and white pepper before the dusty cherry fruit comes to the fore. Soft and enveloping, it impresses with a pure blend of red fruits and inner rose tones accompanied by cooling acidity. It finishes lightly structured with a bitter aftertaste of concentrated sour cherries. While the Passorosso is typically a more forward expression, the 2020 could do with another year in the cellar before showing its best. Nevertheless, it is a very nice wine with a lot of potential." Vinous

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

Giuseppe Russo cultivates part of the 12-hectare San Lorenzo vineyard at an altitude of around 750 metres on the slopes of Mount Etna near Randazzo. The lava flows of recent decades have created a porous soil here, rich in volcanic rock and therefore providing excellent drainage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Piano delle Colombe is a 100% Nerello Mascalese from vines over 80 years old that grow on a small plot in San Lorenzo. Fermented in small open vats and matured for 18 months in a Liters oak barrel and a used barrique, it is balsamic and earthy with some ripe red and black berry aromas. Juicy, intense and savoury, its subtle, grippy tannins envelop tangy blackberries, pomegranate and a fresh herbal finish." Decanter

"The 2020 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo Piano delle Colombe is a showstopper, spicy and exotic with a kaleidoscopic bouquet of cloves, allspice, dried blood orange, cinnamon and crushed wild blueberries. It's succulently ripe in style with juicy acidity to balance. A wave of violet-tinged wild berry fruits washes across the palate with ease, leaving a tactile mineral tinge in their wake. Hints of sour cherry combine with candied citrus and spice as the 2020 finishes long and staining yet remarkably fresh. A subtle coating of fine tannins provides support but doesn’t impose. This is a showboat vintage for the Piano delle Colombe, a parcel of San Lorenzo with soils that originate from a volcanic explosion rather than lava flow. It's an exquisite and harmonious wine that is sure to win a lot of hearts." Vinous

"This wine shows lots of crisp and fresh red fruit mixed with dried Mediterranean herbs, orange peel and hibiscus. Also some smoky, dusty earth tones. Medium body. Very consistent and persistent on the palate with crisp acidity and a chalky, mineral backbone. Consistent and long finish." James Suckling

"The Girolamo Russo 2020 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo Piano delle Colombe is more approachable compared to the 2019 vintage. It is a beautiful wine with fine fibre and delicate fruity notes of wild berries, gravel and white pepper. The 2020 vintage shows the supreme elegance of Etna." Wine Advocate

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

"Bright ruby red with dark reflections. The nose has elegant hints of rich cherries, dried tomatoes and herbs, with an aftertaste of raspberries and wet stone. Radiant and profound on the palate, showing plenty of juice and salt, carried by tightly woven tannins, even showing floral hints, firm pressure on the finish." Falstaff

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Barbagalli exudes a captivating blend of autumnal spices, dried cherries, balsamic herbs and ashy stone. It is silky and enveloping yet cool, with shades of lavender and sage paving the way to mineral red and black fruits. Lively acidity maintains balance while grippy tannins settle in and a tart blackberry saturation lingers." Vinous

"The nose starts with a hint of vanilla, then quickly dives into deeper, richer flavours of earth, tar and graphite, as well as the vibrant sweetness of cherries and raspberries. On the palate, the fruit element becomes more astringent, while lingering currents of dirt and metal coalesce to create a refined bitterness that hints at ageability. The tannins are firm enough to hold their own against the sharp, bracing acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Ashy, sulphurous fruit tone with earthy, savoury berries, dried blood oranges, dried meat, nori, white pepper and tar. Really intense, ripe and concentrated flavour with a broad, full body. Paradoxically, there is very little weight. The tannins are abundant, fibrous and mealy. Again, there is great depth and complexity." James Suckling

"Balanced, fragrant and mineral: the Barbagalli 2019 is an enchanting wine. Dark cherries, blackberries, chocolate and pepper, framed by some balsamic herbs. In the mouth, the structured tannins and dark fruits are infused with violets, and the bright acidity crystallises its vibrancy. Outstanding." Decanter

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 Sciaranuova parcel is situated at an average altitude of 730 metres above sea level between the villages of Montelaguardia and Passopisciaro. It covers an area of about 4.9 hectares of vineyards. The soils are of volcanic origin and up to 40,000 years old. Within the Sciaranuova parcel is a small cru site whose vines were planted in 1961. The bottles, produced in very small quantities, are labelled "Vigna Vecchia". Compared to its "younger brother", this rare wine shows increased complexity, depth and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby and already a touch developed. Elegant, beautiful even! Pure, sweet raspberry and cherry notes mingling with earth and minerals. Gorgeous fragrant raspberry and firm tannins that push the fruit on the finish. Still austere and in need of more bottle age." Jancis Robinson

"Moderately saturated ruby-red. Very pure aromas and flavors of blood orange, potpourri, red cherry nectar, minerals and sweet spices. Very light on its feet and extremely suave, with outstanding acid-sugar-tannin balance, this is actually less weighty on the palate than the regular Sciaranuova bottling. The finish is very long and pure." Vinous

"This wine is made from Tascante's oldest vines, planted in 1961. The 2016 Etna Rosso Contrada Sciaranuova V.V. (the initials stand for Vigna Vecchia or "old vines") is a beautifully polished and glossy expression with a fine and smooth aromatic presentation. It starts off with primary notes of forest berry and cassis and spans all the way over to campfire ash and camphor. That range is as beautiful as it is impressive. The mouthfeel is silky and soft with fine, powdery tannins. Put this delicate wine aside for a few more years. Some 5,000 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

Only around 2,000 bottles of this noble Riserva are filled each year. With a rich aroma of black berries, balsamic nuances and spices as well as an expansive flavour - full and clear - this great wine perfectly combines finesse, elegance and softness. SUPERIORE.DE

"In the nose with wild herbal aromas and earthy-mineral notes, undergrowth, walnuts, ash and warm earth. Full-bodied in the mouth with a well-defined body, beautiful substance with savoury nuances, quite long with a salty final." Weinwisser

"This is a wild and earthy red wine with notes of watermelon, walnuts, ash, minerals and earth. It has a medium body and nice substance. Long, savoury and spicy." James Suckling

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Zottorinoto is dark, floral and earthy in the glass, with a mix of grilled herbs, crushed rocks and blackberries making up its bouquet. It shows silky textures and masses of mineral red and black fruits. Hints of cocoa emerge towards the end. It finishes with a layer of fine tannins and a hint of primary concentration, balanced by a touch of residual acidity that maintains a fantastic freshness despite its youthful structure." Vinous

"Slightly creamy and with a silky texture, it combines balsamic herbal touches with red and blue berries, ending on a twist of orange peel. Undergoing extended ageing this Riserva from contrada Zottorinoto in Castiglione di Sicilia is bigger and also has higher perceived acidity compared to Feudo di Mezzo. Sapid, saline and intense, it's a beautifully crafted wine." Decanter