2018 Giovanni Rosso Etna DOP Rosso, Sicily

A lovely pale orange-red tinge to the wine in the glass. Such an aromatic nose filled with iron filings, wet stone and summer berry fruits alongside violet touches. It has such freshness on the tongue, immediately juicy and then fills out with density of flavour. There’s a captivating rusticity to this with a savoury, almost herbal element edging the bright cherry and raspberry fruit. Soft tannins and lively acidity. A star-value buy. Made with native grape Nerello Mascalese with small percentages of other local and indigenous varieties. Vines are planted on volcanic soil in a north/northeastern site 750 metres in altitude. First vintage 2016. Production 20,600 bottles.

93 points Decanter

Made predominantly with Nerello Mascalese and a small percentage of other native grapes, this lithe, lovely red has alluring aromas of Mediterranean scrub, wild berry, hay and eucalyptus. Linear and all about finesse, the savory palate features crushed strawberry, pomegranate and star anise while a vein of saline mineral notes adds depth. Polished tannins provide elegant support while bright acidity keeps it balanced.

93 points Wine Enthusiast

Giovanni Rosso has earned international acclaim for expressive Barolo, yet the family's passion for great terroir also led them to the dramatic slopes of Mount Etna. Working with the same respect for vineyard and variety that defines their Piedmont wines, the estate crafts Etna Rosso that captures the purity, elegance and unmistakable volcanic character of Sicily's most exciting wine region.

The vineyards lie high on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, where Nerello Mascalese thrives in ancient lava flows and mineral rich volcanic soils. Warm Mediterranean sunshine, cool mountain nights and old bush vines produce a wine of remarkable perfume, finesse and freshness, with the 2018 vintage now revealing the complexity that comes with careful bottle age.

The colour is a luminous ruby red with delicate garnet hues. Aromas of wild cherry, red currant and blood orange are entwined with rose petals, dried herbs, volcanic smoke and sweet spice. The palate is refined and beautifully detailed, carrying vibrant red fruits through silky tannins and lively acidity. Hints of crushed lava stone, liquorice and savoury herbs emerge across a long, graceful finish that speaks eloquently of Mount Etna.

A superb match for roast duck, grilled swordfish, lamb cutlets, porcini mushroom risotto or aged Pecorino Siciliano. Drinking magnificently now, this elegant Etna Rosso has the balance and pedigree to continue evolving for many years.