2020 Pietradolce Etna Rosso DOC Santo Spirito, Sicily

Remarkably pretty, the 2020 Etna Rosso Santo Spirito wafts up with a lifted blend of black cherries and dried strawberries, complemented by hints of clove and allspice. It's soothingly round, with pretty red berry fruits motivated by vibrant acidity as rosy inner florals and licorice tones form toward the close. This tapers off with a classic tannic grip, maintaining fantastic freshness. The 2020 possesses a lovely balance that will carry it through its long and broad drinking window. 

93 points Eric Guido vinous.com

Pietradolce Etna Rosso DOC Santo Spirito is a striking expression of high-altitude Sicilian winemaking, crafted from old-vine Nerello Mascalese grown on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. The Santo Spirito cru, one of the most revered Contrade in the region, lies on Etna’s northern face at around 700 metres above sea level, where intense diurnal shifts and mineral-rich soils shape wines of elegance, energy and unmistakable character.

This bottling is a flagship for Pietradolce, a small family-run estate dedicated entirely to Etna terroir. The vines here are ungrafted and ancient, some over 100 years old, planted on pure lava rock and farmed organically. The resulting wine is remarkably pure and poised, often drawing comparisons to fine Burgundy or Barbaresco for its aromatic lift and silky structure.

In the glass, it’s translucent garnet, with a perfume of wild strawberries, blood orange, dried rose, crushed herbs and smoky volcanic ash. The palate is refined, with fine-grained tannins, brisk acidity and flavours that echo the nose, adding pomegranate, anise and savoury minerality. It's a wine that builds in complexity with air, with a finish that’s long, earthy and refreshing.

Pair it with wild mushroom risotto, grilled duck breast, or Sicilian-style roast pork with fennel and citrus. While incredibly expressive now, it will age gracefully for up to 10 years.