2023 Pietradolce Etna Rosso DOC, Sicily

A smoky, peat-like style here with red plums and whiffs of flowers. Light-bodied, this has moderate acidity and a refreshing finish, silky and polished to the end. Simple but nice. Drink now.

91 points jamessuckling.com

Pietradolce Etna Rosso DOC is a striking and pure expression of Sicily’s Mount Etna, crafted entirely from Nerello Mascalese grown on the volcano’s north-facing slopes. These high-altitude vineyards, perched on mineral-rich lava soils at over 700 metres above sea level, give the wine its remarkable tension, energy and volcanic character.

Pietradolce works exclusively with indigenous varieties, farmed organically and vinified with minimal intervention to let the terroir speak. The Nerello Mascalese for Etna Rosso is sourced from older bush vines, fermented in small tanks, and aged in large neutral oak to preserve the variety’s aromatics and transparent structure.

In the glass, it’s delicate yet intense. Aromas of sour cherry, wild strawberry, crushed rose petals and dried herbs mingle with a subtle smoky edge. The palate is fine-boned and savoury, with bright acidity, chalky tannins and a distinctive mineral backbone. It has the elegance of Pinot Noir and the structure of Nebbiolo, all with a Sicilian soul.

Pair it with grilled lamb, mushroom and truffle pasta, Sicilian caponata or tuna crudo. It’s a wine that rewards both contemplation and cuisine, and will evolve beautifully over 5 to 7 years.