Rating:
93+
Ian Dagata - Vinous Media
"
Bright red-ruby. Wild, musky, youthfully reticent aromas of raspberry, flint and espresso are lifted by a pretty violet topnote. Concentrated but refined at once, showing outstanding density of texture and very pure, graceful flavors of red berries, red cherry and minerals. Saline and smoky mineral nuances stain the palate on the long, elegant finish. Knockout Etna Rosso from what is in my opinion a true grand cru among Etna’s many contrade.
Based on the northern slope of Etna near Passopisciaro, Alberto Graci makes some of Etna’s best wines, and unlike some of his colleagues, appears to excel with both white and red wines. The two Arcuria bottlings this year (white and red) are especially memorable."
Product Description:
"The vineyard is 1,000 meters high, or about 3,300 feet, the upward limit at which Nerello can ripen. Interspersed are olive and apple trees and birds, bees and bugs that fill the air with industrious chirps and hums. "This is a place where it’s possible to have a balance between elegance and rusticity,” Mr. Graci said. “This sensation is hard to find anywhere else.”
At Graci, young Alberto Aiello Graci remains steadfast in his respect for local traditions as well as the distinct nature of each vintage and only cultivates traditional varieties indigenous to Mount Etna: the red grapes Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, and white grapes Carricante and Catarratto. Intervention of any kind is extremely limited, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. They do not use herbicides in order to preserve the unique balance and vital energy of the soil. They do not use barriques, but only the big, upright, wooden casks known as tini and large, well-used wood barrels. Their sole objective is to reflect the personalities of their vineyards and the sublime differences between each and every harvest." -Importer