By Gerardo Corleone
Can’t believe what’s written on the label: 15.5 abv! BUT where? I don’t smell or taste them.
This one comes from Master Franchetti’s sicilian estate near Etna – he also owns a beautiful estate in Tuscany.
100% Nerello Mascalese from super-old vines cultivated biodynamically at an altitude between 800 to 1100m asl. Later aged for 18-20 months in big barrels.
Now in my glass and it opens with a lovely bouquet full of rose petals, mint, burned earth, ripe amarena cherries and crushed blue berries.
Elegant, fruity and dry appearance on the palate with notes of juicy cherries and a hint of smokey nectarine. The tannins are still lively, but well integrated and are in good balance with the refreshing-zesty amount of acidity.
Cool and persistent fruity-herbal finish.
This one will age beautifully over the next couple of years – one of the best vintages from Etna. In a Blind-Tasting I would have never said Sicily, but Etna with its special micro climate can produce wines which remind you of cooler climates. Not the cheapest entry-level wine, but go and get it especially if you want to understand what Etna is about.
Rating:
Bouquet: 2.5/3
Palate: 5.5/7
Finish: 2/3
Overall harmony: 5.5/7
Rating: 15.5/20 – Really good wine with potential!
Drink: NOW until 2021!
GC
