Massimiliano Calabretta is part natural winemaker/philosopher who, in his day job, is a Professor of Electrical Power Engineering, specialising in Nuclear Fusion. The vineyards are mostly 80+ years old, many planted piede franco (ungrafted rootstock) and no chemicals or pesticides have ever been used. He ages his flagship Vigne Vecchie for up to 9 years in large cask, leading many to compare him with the greats of old school Barolo.
The first vintage of Vecchie Vigne was 1997, the flagship wine that Massimiliano ages for up to eight or nine years in botti. It is this approach that has resulted in Calabretta being compared to many of the greats of old school Barolo. The wine walks a tightrope between being mature, yet fresh and energetic at the same time with a distinct personality of a great Etna red.
Deep red-ruby. Underbrush, tar and licorice dominate the red fruit aromas and flavors. A hint of shoepolish emerges on the long tactile and slightly warm finish. This big wine has plenty of personality but I would have liked a little more grace. (15% alcohol)