Contrada Rampante Etna Rosso DOC 2016 Tenuta Tascante

Made with vines planted at the dawn of the new millennium, the 2016 Etna Rosso Contrada Rampante comes from one of the best-performing parcels on the northern side of the volcano, where the topsoil (consisting of eroded volcanic stone and compacted ash) is a bit thicker and deeper compared to most other sites on the volcano. This allows for deep root systems and well-draining moisture. This wine shows a dark and compact nature with ripe fruit, dried blackberry, aniseed and camphor. Like the other wines in this series, this expression ages in 25-hectoliter Slavonian oak casks for 12 months. Some 5,000 bottles were made.

Tasca's Tascante has unveiled an impressive set of new single-contrada wines that underline a commitment to the Etna wine philosophy and its traditions. These are inaugural vintages from the Contrade Sciaranuova (with two wines made from older vines and newer ones, respectively), Rampante and Pianodario. I am absolutely delighted by this range and the distinctive quality offered by each. I am equally impressed by the technical sheets that came with my samples. They show vineyard planting dates, soil maps and—most importantly—the exact location of each vineyard on the volcano and the corresponding lava flows. Thank you!

Dried walnuts, hazelnuts, dried herbs, strawberries, red licorice and watermelon. Tangy and pretty on the medium-bodied palate, which is subtle in its delivery of orange-zest and lime undertones. Drink now.

Bright red. Reticent aromas of red cherry, Oriental spices, roses, plum nectar and soy sauce on the brooding nose. Floral and fresh in the mouth, with hints of Oriental spices and tobacco complicating ripe, thick plum and cherry flavors. Less immediately fruity and more tannic than the Santo Spirito, as it should be given the characteristics of these two crus. The finish is long, juicy and a touch austere for its current tannic clout. Needs time.