ALBERELLI DI GIODO
2017 Nerello Mascalese
A strong and dense Etna red with plums, dark berries, orange peel and lemons on the nose and palate. Full-bodied. Layered and flavorful. Juicy fruit. Needs time to open, but great potential from these ancient vines. Rating: 95 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Feb 2019)
In Bond
75cl bottles (case of 6)
* This is a pre-shipment/primeur offer. All orders are accepted under the TERMS of this offer which differ from the terms of the rest of the site.
Carlo Ferrini's Alberelli di Giodo is a newish reality on Etna that presented its first vintage in 2016, following years of Etna winemaking experience by this celebrated Tuscan consultant. He now has the 2017 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese on the market. This is an extremely elegant and expressive interpretation of Nerello Mascalese with lots of crisp energy and lively freshness. Obtaining this level of vigor is not always easy with this finicky grape, but Carlo nails it. His wine is supported by an extremely fine and silky texture, and the bouquet is impeccably clean and pure. There is a drying mineral note that reminds you of its volcanic roots and recalls the 2017 vintage heat. The vines are 80 years old and planted at 950 meters in elevation. This is Carlo's only Etna wine (for now) and he makes 7,200 bottles. Drinking range: 2021 - 2030L&S (Oct 2021)
Alberelli di Giodo
Megastar winemaker Carlo Ferrini fell in love with the wines of Etna and the island of Sicilly over the course of numerous visits to this beautiful, sun-kissed island. He is a good friend and collaborator of the charming Gianfranco at the Le Casematte winery - this relationship led to his hunt for his own vineyard in the area. Finally the dream is realised - and 2016 marks the first vintage release of the new Alberelli di Giodo wine.
Carlo started this project in 2012, hoovering up some small plots of old (70-90 years old) bush-vine Nerello Mascalese, as and when they have been available, after 5 years Carlo has secured a total of just 1 Hectare of vines. They are all really high up the Etna slopes at nearly 3000m altitude. In fact so high they are out of the DOC Etna - which runs up to about 1100m! The wine is therefore officially a DOC Sicilia - but could not be more Etna in shape, feel and essence. This small-production beauty is only available in tiny quantities and is sure to be an instant classic. New listings don't come much more exciting than this.