Alberelli di Giodo Nerello Mascalese Sicily 2018

Wow! So exciting to have a bit of this to sell. Carlo Ferrini has consulted for many of the greats you know and love already: San Leonardo (a particularly fine Trentino estate), Casanova di Neri, Fonterutoli, Brancaia, Brolio, and Poliziano. Podere Giodo is his own in Montalcino (highly rated and $150-ish), and began the Etna project in 2016. He is fascinated with the grape Nerello Mascalese. The vineyard is little more than a hectare, growing at 950 meters on the volcano’s slopes. Pre-phylloxera vines that date from the early 1900s, and are trained to the traditional low-bush alberello style. The elevation and northern aspect are ideal for Nerello Mascalese, and the black, pomace-rich soils yield wines with utterly distinctive body and fruit.

We got a tiny parcel of this rarity at a PARTICULARLY excellent price. Just 15 cases...while it lasts! Collectors, if you know, you know! Truly fantastic Nerello from a master of his craft.

PAIRING IDEAS: It sounds a little “pedestrian” maybe, but a killer bolognese or ragu that you spent all day intensifying and reducing IS the way to go here (and not pedestrian at all). Find a good recipe that sounds appealing and spend a Sunday making it -- open this wine an hour before and let it expand. Heaven!

MUSIC SUGGESTIONS: The Skatalites just released a “Live in Argentina” album -- so good if you love quality old ska!