2022 Graci Etna Rosso, Mt Etna

This energetic red Etna has a well-packed nose of blood oranges, violets, geraniums, black pepper and assertive pomegranate. Full-bodied with a soft, smooth attack, crisp acidity and velvety tannins. This has very good fruit concentration, a crunchy finish and great balance. Drinkable now but will evolve, improving integration and complexity.

95 points jamessuckling.com

It has a nice ruby red colour; the bouquet is floral and fruity, with notes of rose and thyme. It is a well-structured wine and it is endowed with a long and persistent ending. The Etna Rosso of Graci is perfectly paired with a great platter of cold cuts, and tasty cheeses. Another great reason here to fall in love with the unique wines of this region.

‘Etna is a special place,’ says Graci, who today runs the estate with his sister Elena. ‘We only cultivate traditional varieties indigenous to Mount Etna and aim to respect local traditions as well as the distinct characters of each vintage. The land decides, not us. We believe that only by listening carefully and responding to the expressions of Nature in our territory can great wines be born. Great because they are true.’

It’s difficult to not be influenced by Alberto Graci’s enthusiasm. He’s a vigneron by trade, having abandoned a promising career in economy to pursue his dream. In just a few years he made his wine one of the leaders of the Etna Renaissance. The joint-venture project with Gaja and last year’s acquisitions testify to Alberto’s dynamism. Nevertheless, he continues to enchant us with the elegance of his wines made with grapes cultivated in the vineyards of Arcuria, Feudo di Mezzo and Barbabecchi. This last features century-old ungrafted vines cultivated at more than 1000 metres above sea level.