Contrada Sciaranuova Etna Rosso DOC 2016 Tenuta Tascante

The 2016 Etna Rosso Contrada Sciaranuova is made with fruit from vines planted in 2008 at 730 meters above sea level. This is a classic expression from Etna with an even dose of wild berry, rose, mineral and spice. This wine shows an attractive level of balance and harmony, and I am especially attracted to those distinctive volcanic or mineral tones that frame this delicate, almost fragile wine. This Etna Rosso is mostly aged in large Slavonian oak casks, but a small part goes into 300-liter tonneaux. This adds a bit more volume and girth to the finish. Production is 5,000 bottles.

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!

Such beautiful aromas of plums and dried fruit with spice, pumice, hot stone and dried flowers. Medium body, soft and succulent tannins and a flavorful finish. Shows so much subtle volcanic character and savory fruit. Drink now.