About Wine features wines not typically on one’s shopping radar. Special wines – made from grapes or blends, regions or countries – that may not be common or well known. About a wine, or winemaker, with a story to tell; of place, process or style; featuring artisanal producers making unique, reasonably priced (under $50 retail) wines, combined with careful earth stewardship.
2016, Pietradolce, Etna Rosso (100% Nerello Mascalese)
About the Maker: Founded in 1972 by Venarondo Faro, the Pietradolce Winery is now run by sons Michele and Mario. The boys are renowned in viticulture circles for their vine-nursery acumen, hands-off winemaking style and the reverence for which they hold “our volcano.”
About the Vineyard: Located in northeastern Sicily, Italy, the Faro’s Nerello Mascalese vineyard occupies five hectares, 600 metres up the northeastern slope of Mt. Etna. An active volcano, Etna is a revered stakeholder in the growing process; supplying lavic nutrients and the large diurnal temperature swings that add fragrance, richness and depth to the wine.
About the Grape: Native to the island, there are but 3,000 hectares of Nerello Mascalese vines in all of Sicily. Having adapted over the centuries, this vine thrives in the arid, rocky terrain of the region.
About Sustainability: Sustainable winemaking.
The Faro brothers combine traditional grape growing with modern fermentation techniques, paying homage to worlds both old and new.
About the Wine: Bright garnet in-glass, red-berry aromas mix with notes of minerals and balsa wood. Refreshingly acidic, light-bodied cranberry and sour cherry flavours combine to carry the long and clean palate.
About Pairing: Pair with Pecorino cheese, seared fish or roasted/fried fowl.
About Availability: Check liquorconnect.com (call the listed store too) confirming availability.
CSPC #762733
About Price: $28
