Giovanni Rosso 2016 Etna Rosso

In July 2016, Barolo producer Giovanni Rosso's son Davide purchased an old vineyard on the Northern slope of Mount Etna in Sicily and, began to vinify small lots of indigenous varietals.

The Etna DOC area covers the slopes of Mount Etna, the 10,000 foot active volcano that dominates the Northeastern corner of Sicily. The high elevations and volcanic soils make this a unique growing region and it was the very first appellation in Sicily, Some of Etna’s vineyards are among the highest elevation in Italy.

This wine is 85% Nerello Mascalese and 15% Nerello Cappuccio fermented in stainless steel tanks for 12 days with daily pumping overs. The wine aged in French oak barrels for 15 months before bottling.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 93 points saying "Aromas of red berries, crushed mint and violet meld with eucalyptus and smoke on the nose. On the elegant, youthfully austere palate, it shows taut, refined tannins offset by flavors of Marasca cherry, strawberry compote and star anise alongside bright acidity. It closes on an alluring spice note."

James Suckling scored this 93 points saying "Very pretty purity of fruit here with strawberry, cherry and some lemon rind. Medium-bodied with integrated tannins that are showing edges now. Fresh, creamy texture at the end. Drink or hold."

Wine Spectator scored this 92 points saying "A creamy, medium-bodied red, featuring firm, finely knit tannins enmeshed with flavors of dried cherry and Earl Grey tea. A streak of smoky mineral echoes on the fresh finish. Best from 2020 through 2029."