Calabretta, Nerello Mascalese Vigne Vecchie Etna Rosso 2012

94 points Vinous
"The 2012 Nerello Mascalese Vigne Vecchie takes things to a darker, earthier yet ultimately thrilling level, as crushed black raspberry and plum sauce are complemented by hints of exotic brown spice, tobacco and underbrush. This gains freshness through notes of white smoke and roses that emerge with time in the glass. It’s silky, verging on fleshy and quite potent, ushering in textural waves of ripe wild berries and sweet spices, yet balance is maintained through a core of brisk acidity. This leaves a saturation of primary purple and blue-toned concentration upon the senses, becoming youthfully chewy through the dramatically long and lightly structured finale. There is no sign of the 16% abv that’s stated on the label, as the 2012 Vigne Vecchie comes across as completely harmonious, but in need of another year or two of cellaring. (Drink between 2024-2030)"

Vinous Reverie Notes
For four generations, the Calabretta family has grown grapes in accordance with the centuries-old traditions natural farming methods of Etna. The mountain itself is omnipresent with the vineyards criss-crossed by volcanic stone walls. The volcanic soil of the area, combined with the dramatic temperature differential from day to night, yield grapes of singular expression. Calabretta’s vineyards have evolved naturally so that the vines are intermingled with olive trees and fruit orchards—theirs is a vineyard truly in touch with its surrounding environment. Tasting Notes: Dynamite example of old vines from Etna. Structured and intense without being too tight to drink young. Bouquet of red fruits, tobacco, and earth.