I Vigneri di Salvo Foti Vinupetra 2023

Salvo Foti is one of Etna's most respected figures, and I Vigneri di Salvo Foti makes Vinupetra on the volcanic slopes of the mountain in eastern Sicily. The name is Sicilian for wine produced on stony ground, a reference to the black volcanic soils of broken lava and ash that define Etna. The wine is an organic Etna Rosso blending Nerello Mascalese with Nerello Cappuccio, the island's high-altitude red natives. Etna's elevation gives cold nights and a long growing season, so the grapes ripen slowly and retain sharp acidity, while the free-draining volcanic soils lend a distinctive smoky minerality and fine tannins. The wine is aged twelve months in 500-litre French oak barrels, larger than a standard barrique so the oak influence is restrained, allowing slow oxygenation to settle the tannins while keeping the volcanic character to the fore. Expect a pale ruby colour and a nose of red cherry, wild berries and Mediterranean herbs with smoke, black pepper, tobacco and a stony, ashy note. The palate is medium bodied and savoury, with bright acidity, fine chalky tannins and a long mineral finish. Serve at around 17 degrees with a short decant. It suits grilled meats, game and mushroom dishes.