2019 Pietradolce, Archineri, Etna Rosso

A powerful yet elegant expression of Nerello Mascalese (100% of the blend), grown from ancient, pre-phylloxera vines (some 80–90 years old). It is made by Pietradolce, a boutique estate established by the Faro family on the northern slopes of Mount Etna – Sicily, Italy. The grapes for the Archineri bottling come from a specific high-altitude vineyard site, or Contrada, called Rampante, at around 850 meters above sea level. The unique terroir is defined by volcanic, mineral-rich, sandy soil. Nerrello is often compared to noble Tuscan and Piedmont wines, but with the unmistakable smoky, mineral intensity of a volcano. It offers a striking balance of wild red fruit (sour cherry, raspberry), savory notes of scorched earth, tobacco, dried herbs, and a rusty-nail minerality. The wine is refined, linear, and structured by firm yet silky tannins, making it incredibly age-worthy yet drinking nicely today.