Andres Franchetti was inspired by these old abandoned vineyards on Etna, Sicily. It takes some nerves to be reforging ancient vineyard terraces as plumes of smoke belch from a clearly active volcano. Andrea, undaunted by molten rock, was one of the first to plant on these perilous slopes. The 1947 eruption demarcated the core of the property, which is now bordered at its upper limit by a ridge of black gravel, the cooled remains of that lava spill. Andrea established the estate in 2000 and has since turned it into one the regionis stars, as well as a global proponent of just what can be achieved on volcanic soils.
"100% Nerello Mascalese. Pale ruby colour; you would be absolutely forgiven for thinking this Pinot Noir from the colour and the aromas. Bright red berries with a touch of leafiness on the nose. However, things change on the palate, which exerts a tannic squeeze on the entry, with bracing, chiselled acidity more reminiscent of Nebbiolo. Crystalline red berries, with a sherbet flamboyance on the finish. Approachable early for sure, but with enough structure for five-years-plus ageing in bottle – particularly in large format.
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Nerello Mascalese
ABV 14.5%
Drink now 2018 - 2024
Cork
Dry
Vegan
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.