Palmento Costanzo, Etna Rosso DOC (Sicily, Italy) 2016

 A blend of 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nerello Cappuccio, this is was very skillfully grown and made.  It is deliciously ripe and sweet but definitely not over the line into “candied” territory, as salty minerality provides a counterpoint to the wine’s juiciness.  Although it is elegantly light in overall profile, it still shows real depth of flavor, as the softness of the tannins allows the fruit to show itself fully and linger through the finish.  Not the most complex wine you’ll find from Etna, but as straightforwardly enjoyable wine as you’re likely to find from anywhere.  This producer also makes a “Nero di Sei” bottling with the same blend, and the 2015 is excellent, but it will likely to be harder to find, as only 20% as much is made as this “Mofete.”