The slopes of Mount Etna provide Andrea Franchetti ‘s team with interesting challenges, though the fact of the vineyard being sited on the slopes of a live volcano appears to be very low in Andrea’s concerns. His first task was to clear and restore long-abandoned terraces of ancient vines on the northern slopes of the mountain, replanting at a density of 12,000 vines per hectare on thin lava dust. The high altitude, sun-drenched vineyards are idyllic yet a constant plume of smoke and the odd ash-filled belch present a constant reminder that Etna is indeed a volcano with attitude, given to relatively frequent lava spills. The volcanic minerality in the wines is however distinctive and impressive
"Opaque, jet-shot plum purple, glittering and seductive, this has a very attractive
nose, intense and pure, redolent of sweet berried fruits, refreshed with wild herbs. The palate, rich and silk-textured,
combines layered opulence with very obvious mineral character, allied to exuberant aromatics throughout. We have secured
an increase in our allocation this year, having sold out instantly in former vintages. Sadly, quantities are still very limited since
only 250 cases were produced for the entire world. "
Petit Verdot
ABV 15.0%
Drink now 2010 - 2022
Cork
Dry
VEG
Region
Italian Wine
It is hard to imagine a more exciting or varied wine-producing country than Italy. With a vibrant winemaking history spanning over 2,000 years, and vineyards stretching from the Alps through the Appenine mountains to Sicily, the Italian peninsula is home to an enormous range of climates, topographies and soil typeshosting hundreds of distinctive grapes unique to Italy.