Giovanni Rosso Etna Rosso 2021

Giovanni Rosso made his reputation with Nebbiolo in Serralunga d'Alba before turning to Sicily, where in 2016 he acquired an old vineyard on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. The wine is made from Nerello Mascalese, the region's leading red variety, grown on volcanic soils of weathered lava, ash and sand at altitude. These free draining soils, together with wide day to night temperature swings and old vines, give a wine that is pale and perfumed rather than heavy, with bright acidity and a fine, mineral tannin. Ageing for fifteen months in large foudres exposes the wine to very little new oak, so the emphasis stays on fruit and site. The colour is pale garnet. The nose is savoury and lifted, showing red cherry, wild berries and dried herbs over woodsmoke and a distinct volcanic, ashy note. The palate is medium bodied and firm, its high acidity and sandy tannin carrying a saline, stony finish. Serve it at 16 degrees in a wide glass, with a short decant. It suits roast poultry, game birds and mushroom dishes.