Medium Body, Dry (Nerello Mascalese).

100-points James Suckling; 18/20 Jancis Robinson; 4.2 stars VIVINO

Flagship wine from organic Mount Etna estate; 120 yr old vines.

TASTING NOTES: Wonderful nose with notes of exotic flowers, dried strawberries and cherry, plus spices and cedar. Full-bodied elegant wine, with a harmonious palate. Silky from the concentration of old vines, with a light tannic and plenty of cherry and ripe plum.

* 150cl / magnum = perfect for a party! *

View the vineyard location to get a feel for this special location (on the northern slopes of Etna): click here or view below:

"A model small estate making top-level authentically regional wines from mostly old vines, including several pre-phylloxera parcels" begins the write-up by Master Sommelier John Szabo in his fabulous 2016 book "Volcanic Wines - Salt, Grit and Power".

The passage continues "Michele Faro's grandfather grew grapes and made wine on Etna, and some of the oldest parcels were in family hands, so he got off to a running start in 2005. Vineyards are on the north side, all above 600m: tiny Barbagalli with gnarled centenary bush-trained Nerello Mascalese is the highest and most precious, yielding succulent, spectacularly balanced wines, with endless finish. Cru Archineri is nearly as impressive, also from old vines planted a few metres below Barbagalli. Steely, flinty-mineral Archineri Bianco is from 10-year-old+ Carricante near Milo on Erna's east side. Infinitely drinkable Etna Rosso from younger albarello-trained vines is well proportioned with delicate red fruit. Purpose-made Etna Rosato from 40-year-old trellised vines rounds out the superb range."

NB: Don't miss the chance to explore new vintages from Pietradolce (and their extra virgin olive oil) - PIETRADOLCE PRODUCTS.