Growing grapes on the side of Europe’s tallest and most active volcano may sound crazy, but the vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna are producing some of the most sensational wines in Italy right now. With its rich mix of different altitudes, exposures and soils, this Sicilian volcano has become a hot bed of talent, with producers expertly crafting wines that reflect the diversity of this dynamic environment.
World Wine – Flowers and pears with white fruits in the nose. Elderflower, some peach and grapefruit in the body . Low acidity , round and lighter body with pretty complex pallet. Enjoyable and really drinkable
Wine Spectator – Lovely spice and graphite notes lace the plumped cherry, red licorice, iron and smoke flavors of this fresh, finely balanced, medium-bodied red. A crowd-pleaser.
James Suckling – Extremely aromatic red with dried flowers, cream, citrus and plums. Hint of pumice, too. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a delicious finish. So drinkable now, but better in 2020.
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – The 2016 Etna Rosso Archineri is made with fruit from pre-phylloxera vines aged up to 90 years old. This is a finessed and nuanced expression from a vintage that threw a few curve balls to vintners on Etna where the climate and temperatures can change at the drop of a dime. The finish is shorter compared to vintages of the recent past, but this mid-weight red is very articulate in terms of its aromatic offerings. It shows small-berry aromas with lilac, spice and wild blueberry.
World Wine – 94 Points - Vinous "Very pale straw color. Gorgeous nose of white peach, lime, minerals and jasmine. Then fresh and crisp, but with an underlying glyceral note that provides backbone to the zingy citrus and pomaceous orchard fruit flavors. Finishes extremely long with strong notes of fresh ginger and an underpinning of mineral dust. An outstanding Etna Bianco. " Ian D'Agata - (Aug 2019)
James Suckling – 11 Aug, 2019 – "Freshly sliced lemons, guava peel, green apples and spices. Medium body, fine layering of acidity and a floral, pretty finish. Drink now."
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – "The 2018 Etna Bianco Archineri is slightly rounder and more robust (compared to the entry-level Etna Bianco) with rich aromas of white peach and melon. This mid-weight expression is also creamier and more intricate in terms of texture, and much of this is due to the advanced age of the pre-Phylloxera vines used to make Archineri, some of which are over 130 years old. This wine delivers a larger center of gravity, and it lacks that super chiseled sharpness and delineation you get in the other Bianco. This bottle reveals a more sophisticated approach and longer cellar-aging potential. Only 5,000 bottles were made." - Monica Larner (31st Jul 2019)
The Wine Front – It’s light, but it’s all charm. Shines like a garnet and it’s equally pretty to smell and taste. Fresh strawberries dusted with pepper and spice, a rosy sweetness and a suggestion of ash and smoke. Fresh red berries, light but firm emery board tannin, clean slightly tart cranberry acidity (and flavour), and a nice crisp finish. Some might find it too light – or not so concentrated – but think of it like a bigger rosato, and you’ll have all the fun. Love it.
The Wine Front – Cherries and red fruits, almost to raspberry cordial, flowers, spice, that signature volcanic rock smokiness and minerality, sugared almonds. It’s light and clear, with juicy red fruits, slightly sour cranberry acidity, and the fine burr of tannin rumbling gently throughout, with a long stony raspberry finish. The alcohol seems to thin it out a little, and shears off some of the finesse of finer vintages. This, perhaps, is more in the zone of 2008 and 2012, though better for me than both of those. I suspect it will age very well.
Wine Spectator – A fresh and focused red set in an elegant, light- to medium-bodied frame. Offers flavors of wild strawberry and cherry fruit, with sandalwood, candied orange zest and a touch of smoky mineral on the finish. Nerello Mascalese. Drink now through 2022.
All wines over $25 per bottle will be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
Delivery Times
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 5-10 working days.
Quality Guarantee
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
Sending a Gift
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
All wines over $25 per bottle will be vintage specific. In the case the listed vintage is out of stock, we will inform you via email for approval to go ahead.
To be able to supply such a unique & extensive range of boutique wines, we don't hold much of the inventory. So with us, there is the added step of receiving the wine from our local suppliers before it is dispatched to you. Most orders are dispatched within 5-10 working days.
Replacement or refund offered if bottles are faulty or damaged. All our deliveries are insured against loss, however you must notify us in a reasonable amount of time.
If you would like to include a gift message with your order, please enter that in the order instructions section. We'll print your message in a lovely font on A5 paper. We also won't include the invoice. Tracking will be sent to the email on file.
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