Pietradolce Etna Rosso "Contrada Santo Spirito" DOC 2020
(Sicily, Italy) - [DM 95] [JS 94] [VM 93] [WS 93]

About the Winery:
Pietradolce is a Faro family estate established in 2005 on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. Its wines focus on native varieties and old vineyard sites, expressing the contrasts between Etna's contrade through volcanic soils, altitude, and mountain-grown fruit.

About this Wine:
Contrada Santo Spirito is made from 100% Nerello Mascalese from a restored pre-phylloxera vineyard in the highest part of Santo Spirito, near Passopisciaro. The site sits at approximately 900 meters on Etna's northern slopes. Wind exposure, marked day-to-night temperature changes, and sandy soils strewn with volcanic rock help shape its fragrant, fresh character.

Winemaking:
The grapes are harvested in the second half of October, then crushed and destemmed. The producer describes approximately 18 days of maceration in tulip-shaped raw cement tanks, followed by 14 months in oak barrels and further maturation in bottle.

Tasting Notes & Pairing:
The 2020 offers cherry and berry fruit, dried flowers, savory herbs, and spice, carried by fresh acidity and a firm tannic finish. Pair with roast lamb, grilled meats, mushroom dishes, or mature cheeses. Serve around 16–18°C.

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Dark, ferrous and sapid with some gentle tannic grip, this 2020 Santo Spirito is nonetheless impressively fresh and opens with wafts of menthol, lavender and herbs. It's precise and poised and showcases dark cherry fruit at its best, while being effortlessly light on its feet. (Drink between 2025–2032)" - James Button (Sep 2024)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Engaging minerals, white pepper funk, mezcal, orange zest and a gamey, sulfurous note. Really juicy and broad on the palate with firm, powdery tannins that dissipate into the long, savory finish. Drink now." - James Suckling (Aug 2023)

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"Remarkably pretty, the 2020 Etna Rosso Santo Spirito wafts up with a lifted blend of black cherries and dried strawberries, complemented by hints of clove and allspice. It’s soothingly round, with pretty red berry fruits motivated by vibrant acidity as rosy inner florals and licorice tones form toward the close. This tapers off with a classic tannic grip, maintaining fantastic freshness. The 2020 possesses a lovely balance that will carry it through its long and broad drinking window. (Drink between 2025–2032)" - Eric Guido (Jun 2024)

93 Points - Wine Spectator:
"This is well-spiced -- almost zesty -- with a skein of milled pepper and ground cumin winding through plumped cherry, iron, dried tarragon and lavender notes. Dense and chewy, with a lively, lingering and fragrant finish. Best from 2027 through 2037. 450 cases made, 150 cases imported." - Alison Napjus (Apr 2025)