2023 Torre Mora Scalunera Etna Rosso, Sicily

A lively, balanced and attractive red with currants, wild berries, dried herbs and spices on the nose, following through to a medium body with fine, firm tannins. Well structured with a bright center palate and a textural, persistent finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

93 points James Suckling

Etna has become one of the most exciting wine regions in Italy, with vineyards clinging to the slopes of Europe’s most active volcano producing reds of incredible perfume, freshness and mineral tension. Torre Mora sits on the northern side of Mount Etna, where lava rich soils, high altitude vineyards and dramatic temperature swings create wines that feel worlds away from the sun drenched stereotype of Sicily. Scalunera, meaning “black staircase”, is a fitting name for a wine shaped by volcanic stone and mountain air.

The 2023 vintage is vibrant, savoury and wonderfully energetic. Nerello Mascalese leads the blend, delivering bright cherry, wild strawberry and blood orange notes layered with dried herbs, crushed rock and subtle smoky spice. There is a beautiful volcanic minerality running through the wine, almost salty and ash like at times, giving it a tension and finesse that often reminds people of fine Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo. Fine tannins and lively acidity keep everything lifted and refreshing, while gentle earthy notes emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

This absolutely comes alive with food. Chargrilled swordfish, eggplant parmigiana or lamb skewers with oregano and lemon would all be superb. It is also brilliant with smoky pizza fresh from a wood oven or simple pasta with tomato, olives and anchovy. Slightly cool the bottle on a warm evening and it becomes incredibly moreish, carrying that distinctive Etna combination of wild herbs, volcanic earth and bright mountain freshness long into the finish.