Etna Rosso "Altero" 2016 (Prephylloxera)

One of the rarest wines on Etna. Altero comes from 120-year-old, pre-phylloxera Nerello Mascalese vines—ancient vines that survived the phylloxera plague because Etna’s volcanic sand is too hostile for the parasite. Less than 1 percent of the world’s vineyards are still pre-phylloxera. These vines produce tiny yields with insane concentration and purity.

Grown at 800m on the volcanic north slope of Etna, the wine is lifted, mineral, and precise. Aromas of red cherry, wild berries, tobacco, dried herbs, and a balsamic note. The palate is elegant, layered, and long with fine volcanic tannins and electric acidity.

This is a collector-level Etna Rosso. Tiny production, hand-harvested, and made by a micro family estate.

Grapes: 98 percent Nerello Mascalese, 2 percent Nerello Cappuccio
Vine Age: ~120 years (pre-phylloxera / own-rooted)
Farming: Organic philosophy
Aging: 14 months in used French oak
Elevation: 700–900m
Style: Elegant, mineral, age-worthy
Alcohol: 13.5%