Donnafugata, Etna Rosso DOC (Sicily, Italy) 2019

This Etna Rosso is made from Nerello Mascalese with a bit of Nerello Cappucio to add color and smooth Mascalese’s edges.  Its juicy, dark cherry fruit is spiced with dried woody herbs and saline mineral notes, animated by nervy acidity with tight, integrated tannins.  The Rallo family of Donnafugata have five estates in Sicily, including the region created by Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and most active volcano.  The Rallos’s are not afraid of the challenges that might arise in the pursuit of making  great wine.  According to Antonio Rallo, agronomist, winemaker and CEO, when they got the estate on Mount Etna, they had to replace thirty percent of the vines that were dead.  Several of the structures were built of lava stones from the volcano.  Outside, the setting is rustic.  Inside, the winery is sleek, modern and fully equipped to be able to get the best from Etna’s unique grape varieties.