Description
Alberto Graci’s grandfather used to grow grapes and make wine in central Sicily. In line with the times, he produced quantity over quality. On his death Alberto returned from his life as investment banker in Milan to take over the vinous reins, but in his way. Alberto sold his grandfather’s land, and bought vineyards on Etna thus returning to his Sicilian roots, but on a part of the island where the sun is tempered by altitude – 600+ metres above sea level (m.a.s.l), the soils are volcanic (obviously!), and there are old, ungrafted vineyards. Alberto with his sister Elena farm their vineyards on the north face of Mt Etna, at Arcuria, Passsopisciaro. Fifteen hectares are planted to Nerello Mascalese and 2.5 to Carricante and Catarratto. Part of the vineyard is ungrafted ‘alberello’ (bush vines) at a total density of 10,000 per hectare. Graci also own an 80 year old vineyard (bush trained) in Contrada Feudo di Mezzo, Passopisciaro at 600 metres above sea level (m.a.s.l) In Contrada Barbabecchi at 1000 – 1100 m.a.s.l. Graci own a 1.5 hectare vineyard planted about 100 years ago which is harvested in November!
The most recent Etna eruption occurred in December 2015, and the threat of a serious eruption requires a certain outlook says Alberto “We are fatalists, we don’t care. It’s normal for us”. It is the complexity of the volcanic soils which contributes much to the unique minerality and elegance of the wines of Etna. ‘Etna is a special place,’ says Graci, who today runs the estate with his sister Elena. ‘We only cultivate traditional varieties indigenous to Mount Etna and aim to respect local traditions as well as the distinct characters of each vintage. The land decides, not us. We believe that only by listening carefully and responding to the expressions of Nature in our territory can great wines be born. Great because they are true.’
The fruit is sourced from a vineyard in the sub-zone of Passopisciaro in the Comune of Castiglione di Sicilia. The vines are bushed trained on the north-eastern face of Mt Etna at between 600 and 700 m.a.s.l. at a density of 6,000 to 10,000 vines per Ha.
The wine is fermented in large open top wooden fermenters (tini) with indigenous yeasts and no temperature control, with maceration on skins for 30 days. The wine is matured for 24 months in cement tanks, during which time the malolactic fermentation occurs spontaneously. The wine rests in bottle for two months prior to release. 14% alc.
On the nose some violets and balsamic notes. The palate is all about intensely black forest fruits – perfectly ripe, crunchy, minerally and spicy. The tannins are fine and chalky with good acidity and length.
The 2022 vintage is here! Now under DIAM cork. 14% alc.
Reviews for 2021 .. 93 points, Eric Guido, Vinous Media “Darkly floral and opening slowly in the glass, the 2021 Etna Rosso smolders up with a nuanced blend of crushed rocks and dried roses. It’s soothingly round with medium-bodied weight and a saline mineral tinge up front that gives way to depths of tart cherry-berry fruits. The 2021 tapers off structured, long, yet beautifully balanced, with red inner florals and lingering exotic spice hints. This is punching well above the cateogry of Rosso, but it will need some cellaring to come fully together.”
92 Points, The Wine Advocate “The Graci 2021 Etna Rosso reveals a structured but slender personality with bright berry fruit, redcurrant and wild berry. The wine is balanced and fresh. It shows the specific volcanic character that only wines from the charred slopes of Etna can deliver. It is made with Nerello Mascalese harvested at 600 to 700 meters above sea level in ashy volcanic soils. It sees contact with cement and large oak casks only.”
RRP $56 *Our Special Price $48.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine*
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.