Megastar winemaker Carlo Ferrini fell in love with the wines of Etna and the island of Sicilly over the course of numerous visits to this beautiful, sun-kissed island. He is a good friend and collaborator of the charming Gianfranco at the Le Casematte winery - this relationship led to his hunt for his own vineyard in the area. Finally the dream is realised - and 2016 marks the first vintage release of the new Alberelli di Giodo wine.
Carlo started this project in 2012, hoovering up some small plots of old (70-90 years old) bush-vine Nerello Mascalese, as and when they have been available, after 5 years Carlo has secured a total of just 1 Hectare of vines. They are all really high up the Etna slopes at nearly 3000m altitude. In fact so high they are out of the DOC Etna - which runs up to about 1100m! The wine is therefore officially a DOC Sicilia - but could not be more Etna in shape, feel and essence. This small-production beauty is only available in tiny quantities and is sure to be an instant classic. New listings don't come much more exciting than this.
A strong and dense Etna red with plums, dark berries, orange peel and lemons on the nose and palate. Full-bodied. Layered and flavorful. Juicy fruit. Needs time to open, but great potential from these ancient vines.
James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com