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.
"Bright red. A funky note clears with aeration to showcase very pretty strawberry, red cherry and violet aromas and flavors, complicated by hints of fresh ginger, white pepper and lemon peel. Finishes long and perfumed with outstanding juicy cut and with suave, polished tannins."