Vino Quantico Etna Rosso 2015 (Preservative Free)

Tasting Notes

The Rosso is made from 90% Nerello Mascalese, with 10% of the fleshier Nerello Cappuccio. Vineyards around Linguaglossa were amongst the first planted on Etna's northeastern slopes and to this day this zone is considered amongst the finest of the Etna 'villages'. This is made entirely without sulphur additions from a small plot of vines in lee of the Etna crater. As with the Etna Bianco, the fruit is all hand-picked. Then there is a pre-fermentation 'soak', followed by fermentation with indigenous yeasts and maturation in old barriques and tonneaux (50%) and tank (50%) for 12 months. Crafted by Pietro di Giovanni, this does not at all fit the 'dense' descriptor often used for the region's reds. Rather this is a lighter bodied red wine built on freshness, minerality and perfume. The nose is lifted (sappy, red berry and Mediterranean herb notes) and the palate is Côte de Beaune weighted with terrific freshness, energy, powdery tannins and smoky minerality - reminding us that we are tasting a wine grown on volcanic soils. It may not be everyone's cup of tea (I'm thinking of those that may look for more weight), which is just as well, only 125 cases were made. Be quick if you're keen. - Winery Note