Pietradolce Barbagalli Etna Rosso 2017 (750ml)

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Producer	Pietradolce
Country	Italy
Region	Sicily
Subregion	Etna
Varietal	Nerello Mascalese
Vintage	2017
Sku	01193
Size	750ml

 

WE

91

WA

96

JS

95

A rich bouquet ranging from red berry jam to spices and mineral notes; elegant and full of character at the same time; distinctive minerality, freshness and flavor intensity sustained by firm tannins. A lengthy, elegant and fruity finish.

Barbagalli Etna Rosso, our purest expression of Etna, comes from a very small pre-phylloxera plot in Contrada Rampante at 900 meters above sea level. This wine can bring the power and elegance of the volcano into the glass. The microclimate of this area is characterized by strong temperature variations, while the sandy soil, rich in volcanic rock, contributes to its uniqueness. The vines have an average age of approximately 100-120 years.
The harvest takes place at the end of October. The crushing and destemming is followed by a maceration of approximately 18 days in raw cement tulip tanks. The wine is left to age for 20 months in oak barrels, followed by maturation in the bottle. The result is an all-encompassing, distinctive taste, both opulent and fine, with balsamic and pastoral notes, great persistence and with long aging potential.

This is the top red wine made by Pietradolce, and its striking black label is meant to underline its importance in the estate portfolio. The 2017 Etna Rosso Barbagalli offers a pretty garnet color and a lean to mid-weight approach. Made with fruit from pre-phylloxera vines from one of the highest elevation vineyards in the appellation (at 950 meters above sea level), this is always a study in elegance, and the integrity of the fruit transcends most problematic vintage variations thanks to the hearty resilience of the vines and their extended root systems. This wine shows composure and equilibrium with an incredibly glossy or silky quality of fruit with berry, smoke, tar and campfire ash. That old-vine concentration and power (with 15% alcohol) also comes through clearly. Only 2,500 bottles were released.  Drink 2022-2040.

Layers of smoke, ash, crushed walnuts and cranberries on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with sleek, tight tannins. Lots of ripe and dried red fruit on the palate with citrus peel and tobacco, too. Precise and tight finish. Lots of old-vine magic here.

Big and concentrated, this has aromas of mature black-skinned fruit, scorched soil and menthol. Reflecting the heat of the vintage, the brawny, chewy palate offers prune marinated in spirits, licorice and vanilla alongside close-grained tannins that leave a drying finish. You'll also notice the heat of evident alcohol. Drink through 2027. -K.O.