Vino di Anna Palmento Rosso 2024

Vino di Anna works the high volcanic slopes of Mount Etna in eastern Sicily, part of the revival of viticulture on the upper reaches of the volcano. Palmento Rosso is a natural field blend led by the Etna grapes Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, with Garnacha and the white Grecanico, farmed organically and made with little intervention. Etna's defining feature is its soil, black volcanic sand and broken lava that drains freely and is rich in minerals, which combined with the high altitude and the wide day to night temperature swing gives wines that are pale, fresh and intensely savoury rather than heavy. The wine ferments and ages in clay amphorae rather than oak, a neutral vessel that allows slow micro oxygenation while keeping the fruit and the volcanic character clear, with no wood flavour added. At 12.5 per cent it is light and lifted. The colour is a bright, light ruby. The nose shows red berries, cherry, dried herbs and black pepper over a smoky, mineral base. The palate is light and energetic, with fine tannins, brisk acidity and a savoury, stony finish. Serve lightly cool at 14 to 16 degrees with charcuterie, roast pork or vegetable dishes.