2017 Donnafugata Fragore Etna Rosso DOC Nerello Mascalese, Sicily

Donnafugata's 2017 Etna Rosso Contrada Montelaguardia Fragore hails from a gorgeous vineyard site in Randazzo with the smoking crater of Etna visible in the background. This wine is perfumed and almost understated, and this comes as surprise, given the scorching hot conditions of this vintage. But those floral perfumes with rose bud and lavender are unmistakable. The wine ends on a soft, silky note.

94 points Monica Larner robertparker.com

Antonio Rallo and the Donnafugata team have added a few tiny parcels to their Etna portfolio that now spans an impressive 21 hectares. Farming is characterized by miniature plots, some no bigger than a backyard, and gaining access to additional acreage is a challenge for everyone who makes wine on the volcano. The team has recently launched two new wines (that I will soon taste): a rosé called Rosa made with Nerello Mascalese and Nocera, and an Etna Rosso called Dea Vulcano.

100% Nerello Mascalese

Pale ruby red coloured, presents an ample and profound bouquet featuring spices sweet tobacco and nutmeg, floral notes (violet) and wild berries merging with mineral, flint stone and balsamic notes. On the palate it reveals extraordinary complexity and elegance characterized by outstanding minerality and important tannins. Remarkable long finish.