Pietradolce Etna Rosso "Contrada Rampante" DOC 2020
(Sicily, Italy) - [VM 95] [JS 94] [WE 93] [F 92]

About the Winery:
Pietradolce, means sweet stone in Italian and is an ode to Etna. The volcanic soil covering the slopes is very stony, sandy and mineral-rich. The Etna volcanos abundant mineral components and microclimate cool nights, warm days and wide-ranging temperature variations give Pietradolce wines extraordinary richness, minerality, fragrance and depth.

Notes from the Winemaker:
100% Nerello Mascalese from a small pre-phylloxera plot located in the Contrada Rampante at 850 meters above sea level. This vineyard, grown on sandy-loam soils rich in volcanic rock, benefits from a unique microclimate, thanks to its perfect exposure to sunlight. The crushing and destemming is followed by a maceration of approximately 18 days in raw cement tulip tanks. The 14-month aging in oak barrels is followed by maturation in the bottle. On the nose, this wine reveals rich fruity, and toasted notes, anticipating a full, warm, and enveloping mouthfeel.

Tasting Notes:
Deep character, complexity, red fruit and underbrush, a wonderful minerality and elegance.

Food Pairing:
Pairs well with lamb and grilled steak

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Vinous Media:
"Attractive ripe berry, plum and spice aromas follow throuHauntingly dark and floral, the 2020 Etna Rosso Rampante smolders up with an array of dusty violets, lavender, cloves and earth tones before giving way to musky black currants. This is sleek and cool-toned in feel, showing its crisp minerality up front as tart wild berry fruits emerge over a core of sour citrus and spice. Structured and long yet still remarkably fresh, the 2020 finishes with dramatic length and concentration, leaving a hint of licorice and saline minerals that pinch at the cheeks. Patience will be required for this strapping Etna Rosso to come to full maturity." – Eric Guido (June 2024)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Tar, graphite, dried roses, dark minerals and oranges with just a hint of earthy sweet spices. Structured and full-bodied on the palate with a heap of dusty tannins and a lengthy, cohesive finish. Drink or hold." (Aug 2023)

93 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"The nose is simultaneously delicate and earthy, with aromas of dirt, stone and herbs, but also cherry blossoms and cranberries. The palate is defined by a richer, fuller cherry element, but undertones of salt and citrus, along with a powerful electric current of acid, elicit excitement." – Danielle Callegari (Apr 2024)

92 Points - Falstaff:
"Bright ruby red. Somewhat restrained on the nose, fine wild berry fruit with slightly smoky notes. Very juicy on the palate, shows a clear fruit core, with fine salty notes, then stony and barren on the finish.” (Oct 2022)