Pietradolce Barbagalli Etna Rosso Pre-Phylloxera 2017

The slopes of the highest active volcano in western Europe preserve precious centuries-old vineyards, since the 90s disputed by obstinate locals and ambitious foreigners, for the explosive combination between finesse and minerality of its wines. Few producers, like Michele Faro's Pietradolce, from an ancient family of Etna farmers, reach the maximum excellence and marked typicality of this fashionable region, however. Organic cultivation, only autochthonous varieties of century-old vines in the best “contrade”, and precise vinification inspired by ancestral techniques.

100 year old pre phylloxera vine from Nerello Mascalese planted in albarello at 950 meters altitude in the hills north of Mount Etna! Very stony and sandy soils. It ferments and macerates in concrete tanks. 20-month internship in French tonneaux. 

Grade: 96 points Robert Parker