2010 Vigna Barbagalli
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
This is a special treat and represents the oldest edition of Barbagalli I have tasted for this publication. With fruit from an extraordinary vineyard cru surrounded by black volcanic walls, most of the vines have surpassed the 100-year-old mark. They are knotted and twisted like a theater troupe of acrobats. Barbagalli is a magnificent site to behold, and Michele Faro is lucky to be guardian to such a patrimony. From the winery library, the Pietradolce 2010 Etna Rosso Barbagalli is super refined and elegant. The tannins melt away, and the wine produces light hints of cassis, tarry smoke and volcanic ember. This wine gives us confidence in the aging ability of Nerello Mascalese, the might red grape of Etna.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Cloudy garnet colour. Heavily oxidised on the nose. Maderised palate and very grainy tannins, but there's still balance on the palate. For some people, this would be lifeless, but there's a certain necrophiliac enjoyment to be had. (RH)
Lots of earth and mushroom on the nose, with the same kind of mushy red fruit that you get from Rioja. Has the aroma of leaf litter and decay without being dead. On the palate, the tannins are still firm but spherical and well buffed in texture. The fruit has given way to meaty, mushroomy, savoury flavours – this is very much into is autumnal stage, and you wouldn't want it to go further. Profoundly scented, and maybe an acquired taste, but full of personality and character. (RH)
Labour is four people from local village. Dark ruby. Very rich indeed. Massive spread and hugely opulent. Very grand cru burgundy. So concentrated. A certain wildness. Spice. Fresh and exciting. Long and reverberant. Quite unlike the norm and very Etna but great intensity and balance. (JR)