Giovanni Rosso Etna Rosso 2019

The Giovanni Rosso Estate has been a Piemonte staple since the 1890s, but only recently branching out to the harsh, volcanic slopes of Italy’s most active volcano – Sicily’s Mount Etna. The results have been nothing short of phenomenal, and the critics are taking note – 94 points and under $30...this is a new find that needs to be on every Italian wine lover’s radar.

Davide Rosso has really led the charge to modernize this estate into something spectacular. It was he who made the transition from grape grower to wine producer in Piemonte back in 1995, and quickly turned the estate into a Barolo star. In 2016, he acquired the Montedolce Vineyard, on the northern slope of Mount Etna, and in just a few short years, fortunes are on the rise here, as well. The aromatics, acidity, depth of flavor, and utter volcanic-ness of Etna Rosso make them among the most unique wines in the world, and this is a worthy addition without question.

Up at 750 meters above sea level, on the northeastern corner of Sicily, the 5-hectare vineyard of Montedolce sports 30-50-year-old, bush-trained vines of nerello mascalese and nerello cappuccio – Sicily’s native red grapes. Mascalese accounts for the vast majority of the vineyard (any Etna Rosso DOC is required to have at least 80% of the grape) with a scattering of cappuccio as well – all grown on the black volcanic ash and sandy, crumbled rock of Mount Etna’s intimidating slope. The fruit is hand-harvested, and fermented in stainless steel tanks for nearly two weeks on the skins before pressing and barreling down into various sizes of French oak for 15 months. Only about 1,200 cases were made, and even less imported.

Tasting this is an experience that can be difficult to explain to even the most savvy of wine drinkers. A weight and silky texture like Grand Cru Burgundy, with a deep violet color and roasted mineral character akin to a top Cote Rotie syrah. A juicy core of red fruits and a twist of orange peel leaves one questioning Tuscan sangiovese, while the floral notes can lead one astray into the realm of a Cru Beaujolais. Despite this vast breadth, the wine is supremely integrated, and harmonious throughout. Better still – the best of Etna Rosso, such as this – can age seamlessly for decades, without ever needing to for earlier enjoyment. In many ways, this is just such a perfect wine...and at our exceptional price...one that should be acquired with due fervor!