2016 Alberelli di Giodo

The pedigree of the wine is impeccable with fruit coming from pre-phylloxera, ungrafted vines that are between 80-100 years old. Light extraction and maceration is key to retaining the elegant silk-like tannins. Carlo Ferrini is widely regarded as one of the most influential winemakers in Italy, having consulted at some of the most famous wineries in Italy for almost 40 years. Starting to explore Etna’s potential in 2003 and consulting for wineries on Etna for the last 15 years, in 2010 he slowly began sourcing favoured parcels, until in 2016 he decided to produce his first wine from Etna under his own Giodo label. This is a fascinating wine. On the nose you would think it was a fine Barolo or a top Chianti with wonderful perfumed scented rose petal aromas, complimented with a smoky edge and black cherry fruit. The palate however has a very silky tannin structure that glides across the palate yet also carries good dense mid palate weight with a juicy ripe red/ black plum/ cherry roundness more akin to southern Italy. The structure builds on the back end with crunchy taut refreshing volcanic minerality on the finish – showing great typicity of this extraordinarily high altitude Etna site. Great inaugural vintage in Etna from one of Italy’s most celebrated winemakers, Carlo Ferrini