2010 Calabretta Nerello Mascalese Vigne Vecchie IGT

Sicily, Italy

Vinous 94 points!

Calabretta Nerello Mascalese Vigne Vecchie IGT (formerly labeled Etna Rosso) comes from a seven-hectare vineyard on the slopes of Mount Etna. Average age of the vineyards is between 60-80 years with some plants over 100 years old, some ungrafted--on original root stock. Massimiliano Calabretta holds more in common with some of the stalwarts of traditional Barolo production than he does with most of his fellow Etna producers. He ages his wine in large neutral oak botti and holds his wine back for years in bottle before release. This vintage is a blend of nerello mascalese and nerello cappuccio. The winery practices organic farming in black volcanic, stony soil at an elevation of 750 meters.

Calabretta Nerello Mascalese Vigne Vecchie IGT is deep ruby in color with medium-full body. It shows rich flavors of black fruit with the depth and complexity of an aged Barolo. The wine was aged in large Slavonian oak casks (50-70HL) for 36-42 months. Impressively long and velvety on the finish.

“Bright red. A funky note clears with aeration to showcase very pretty strawberry, red cherry and violet aromas and flavors, complicated by hints of fresh ginger, white pepper and lemon peel. Finishes long and perfumed with outstanding juicy cut and with suave, polished tannins.”—Vinous 94 points!

Enjoy Calabretta Nerello Mascalese Vigne Vecchie IGT over the next 6-8 years with osso buco, lasagna, grilled meats and aged cheeses.