Contrada S. Spirito

Delicate, elegant Nerello Mascalese with fine aromas of red fruits and raspberries, enveloped in a pleasant citrus freshness. As the wine progresses, it develops a smoky note associated with the strong component of lava rock that characterises the volcanic soil of Etna. Lively, harmonious and full of flavour on the palate, it is a resolutely versatile wine that goes perfectly with a wide range of fish dishes, shellfish and white meats. SUPERIORE.DE

"Animavulcano offers a fragrant sip of dark cherry and raspberry. It's quite dense (courtesy of the vintage), with good acidity supporting the weight of fruit, accompanied by some spice and textural interest. Blood orange and bitter herbs emerge on the intense and very slightly drying finish." Decanter

"A rich and layered red Etna with sliced dried strawberries, plums, bark, dark mushrooms and some volcanic spice. It is medium to full-bodied with round, chewy tannins and a savoury finish. From organically grown grapes. Give it three or four years to mellow." James Suckling

Animardente is a pure Nerello Mascalese produced from vines planted in bushes at an altitude of 700 metres on partly sandy and ashy, partly gravelly and pebbly soils that are exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations between day and night. The name of the wine is derived from the bowels of the volcano, from its incessant activity, the heat and the colour of the magma. The vines grow in a kind of amphitheatre created by volcanic eruptions, which over the centuries have produced a valuable substrate for viticulture: On dark volcanic soils formed from lava flows, mainly free-living, rootless vines develop here, which are exposed to the most extreme climatic influences. Animardente was born a few years ago in this almost moon-like landscape. A name that tells of the soul of the silent volcano, unexpected and incandescent, breathing life into perpetual motion. An irrepressible and seductive force of nature, the expression of a unique terroir. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Etna Rosso Animardenta Santo Spirito is wickedly fresh, opening with a whiff of savory herbs and crushed rocks that gives way to wild strawberries and rose petals. This possesses a lovely inner sweetness that’s further enhanced by ripe red berries as autumnal spices swirl atop a core of grippy tannin. The 2021 finishes long, gently tannic and beautifully balanced. A note of licorice remains on the close." Vinous

"Cherry red colour with garnet reflections. Medium body with very fine tannins and fresh cherry, dried lemon and stone flavours. Crisp and tasty. A hint of minerals and pumice on the finish." 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

"Complex and tightly coiled, it has some deep, earthy scents with hints of dark cherry and orange peel, while in the mouth it's all pomegranate and bright cherry, with some balsamic herbs and spices. Fine, sturdy tannins grip the cheeks. Yum!" Decanter

"A straightforward Etna red wine with minerals, terracotta, red dust, iron and dry character. Medium-bodied, with juicy acidity and fine tannins. Needs a year or two to mellow." James Suckling