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.’
About this wine: 100% Nerello Mascalese from the north-eastern slopes of Etna 600m above sea level in Passopisciaro – Castiglione di Sicilia, Province of Catania. The soil here is dark brown in colour, volcanic in origin, well-drained almost sandy in some parts. Neutral pH, not calcareous, mostly very rich in iron and nitrogen.
Classic red fermentation in vertical wooden ‘tini’ (conical in shape), with maceration on the skin for 10 days. The wine spends 18 months in wooden fermenters and in concrete tanks, during which malolactic fermentation occurs naturally.
Deep mulberry ruby red in colour. Some violet and balsamic notes on the nose. The palate is all about intense black forest fruits, perfectly ripe, crunchy, minerally and spicy. The tannins are fine and chalky with good acidity and length.
95 points James Suckling: “Very refined texture and character with sliced berries, cherries, watermelon and oranges on a medium-bodied palate with integrated tannins. The fresh, crunchy finish shows hints of pumice and ash. Drink now or hold.”
92 points, Eric Guido, Vinous Media “Wickedly fresh and floral, the 2023 Etna Rosso is bursting with violet and lavender tones, chalk dust and ripe wild strawberry fruit. It washes across the palate with juicy textures and crisp red berries as a stream of motivating acidity maintains marvelous energy. It leaves a subtle inner tension that pinches at the cheeks as tart cherry and hints of clove linger on. This sexy Etna Rosso will win a lot of hearts.”
RRP $63 Our Special Price $52.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine
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