Rating:
93
Ian Dagata - Vinous Media
"Dark ruby-red; this is the correct color of a Nerello Cappuccio wine, which should always be darker than one made with Nerello Mascalese. Pungent red rose, violet and lavender nuances complicate fresh red cherry and berries on the nose and palate. Tactile and saline, with a juicy mouthfeel and a floral nuance on the sneakily concentrated, multilayered back end. A lovely wine and only 12% alcohol."
Product Description:
"The Calabretta wines hail from the DOC of Etna Rosso in North-eastern Sicily. The grapes here are primarily the indigenous Nerello Mascalese with a bit Nerello Cappuccio interplanted. The vineyards are planted between 300 and 900 meters on the slopes of Mount Etna, an active volcano that looms in the distance for much of eastern Sicily. The soils are a combination of black volcanic ash and sand which are fine and almost silty, with lots of lava rocks and good drainage.
There is an old Nebbiolo-like profile to the wines. The aromas are steeped in dried cherries, tar, licorice, and hints of ashy/volcanic soil tones. Given the high elevation and big diurnal temperature shifts (they have ski slopes on Etna as well!), the wines retain a freshness and delineation that recalls a mature Barolo, northern Rhone or even a sturdier, earthier red Burg. Also, with the provenance and age of the wines, they represent a terrific relative value.
These are truly unique wines, and worth it for those Italian wine lovers who prefer pure, soulful, expressive wines from a truly unique terroir!" -Importer
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