Planeta Etna Rosso 2023

Planeta make this Etna Rosso from Nerello Mascalese, the leading red grape of Mount Etna, grown in the Feudo di Mezzo vineyards on the volcano's slopes in eastern Sicily. Nerello Mascalese shows its best above 350 metres, where the late ripening, the volcanic sand and ash soils, and the wide swing between warm days and cold nights produce wines that are fragrant, mineral and high in acidity with relatively light colour. The grape is often likened to Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir for its pale hue, perfume and grip rather than weight. Ageing in wood here is measured, framing the wine without covering its volcanic character. Expect a light to medium ruby colour, a nose of red cherry, red currant and wild berry lifted by dried herbs, crushed stone and a faint smoky, ashy note that points back to the soil. The palate is taut and savoury, the acidity bright and the tannins fine and slightly dusty, finishing long and mineral. Serve at 16 degrees with a brief decant. It suits pork, game birds, mushrooms and tomato-based dishes.