2010 Etna Rosso Santo Spirito

The 2010 Etna Rosso Santo Spirito is quite pretty, seamless and understated. Sweet red cherries, flowers, licorice and incense are all woven together in this soft, gracious wine that is quite appealing. The Santo Spirito has a bit more density and weight than the Guardiola, but the balance of fruit, acidity and tannin is fabulous. Hints of spice, new leather, tobacco and fennel are woven into the supple, expressive finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. The Etna boasts two reference point producers and a number of emerging growers. Along with Andrea Franchetti, proprietor Marco de Grazia continues to make compelling wines that set the standard for the Etna. De Grazia’s 2010s are a bit more ethereal than the 2009s, which have a little more mid-palate depth, but also a bit less finesse in my view. Both vintages have their strengths. I followed these wines over the greater part of a day and can report they perform best with 4-6 hours of aeration. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL; tel. (847) 430-3887