Pietradolce Contrada Rampante Etna Rosso 2018

Drink now or cellar for up to 9 years. No need to decant before serving.

Pietradolce has quickly become one of Sicily’s most exciting young wineries since its foundation in 2005. Today the estate has 11 hectares of vines at 600-900 metres of altitude on Etna’s northern slope in the subregions of Rampante and Zottorinoto. Conditions here are ideal for quality winemaking thanks to the cool, fresh nights and hot summer days which help craft richly-flavoured yet balanced wines.

Pietradolce’s Contrada Rampante is made from 100% Nerello Mascalese, Etna’s most famous black grape variety, which is renowned for its ability to capture the essence of the unique volcanic soils. The vines used for this wine are 90 year old bush vines which are hand-harvested in mid-October. Once in the winery the must is vinified and the young wine matured in French oak barrels for 14 months.

Ripe black cherry, strawberry and dried Mediterranean herbs characterise the nose, while on the palate there are ample dark berry notes and hints of earth, tobacco and woodsmoke. Rich and full-bodied, the well-defined structure is supported by firm tannins and a long finish. Ideal for drinking now with hearty red meat dishes, this is also a great wine to cellar for the next 8 years or so if you have the patience.