2019 Pietradolce Etna Rosso Sicily 750 ml

Mt. Etna pioneer and 11-time Tre Bicchieri winner Pietradolce’s stock is headed straight up. They’re hands-down one of the most consistently impressive (and critically-acclaimed) boutique wineries in Sicily, one whose releases we eagerly anticipate. 

With 100-point winemaking legend (and three-time Winemaker of the Year) Carlo Ferrini at the helm, it’s incredible that their prices haven’t caught up to their prestige, but it’s only a matter of time. This juicy and composed 93-point Etna Rosso is a chance to lasso this rocket on the way up.

When Master Sommelier Sur Lucero excitedly announced the 2019’s arrival, we clamored for glasses and raced to try it. We were greeted with exuberant crispness, full cherry and berry aromatics, and intriguing angularity. Energizing and refreshing, this wine drew us in with wildflowers, wet stones, and citrus peels, carrying our praise-filled conversation on a long and satisfying finish. 

Decanter said this 2019 “leaves you wanting another sip,” but it left us wanting several more bottles. Unfortunately, Pietradolce’s tiny size means there’s not much to go around. We suggest reaching for a bottle (or three) without hesitation.

With releases like this, Pietradolce’s belt might soon run out of notches. They were founded just 15 years ago, but they’ve already accrued a list of accolades that is making their multi-generational elders jealous. 11 Tre Bicchieri honors—Italy’s premier wine awards—in that span of time is simply unheard of. On top of that, their wines have also accumulated more than 70 top ratings among major critics and numerous Editors’ Choice awards from Wine Enthusiast. Again, this is all in just 15 years. It’s no wonder Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate called Pietradolce their “new Etna darling.” 

Owner Michele Faro enlisted three-time Winemaker of the Year Carlo Ferrini to help harness the concentration and depth revealed from their unique terroir. This Rosso is crafted from some of the finest sites on the volcano, with vines perched as high as 3,000 feet, where they brave battering winds and dramatic diurnal temperature shifts. Consequently, the yields are super low, yielding intensely concentrated grapes and a wine that is both agile and powerful.

Years of volcanic activity have quite literally shaped the mountainside where Pietradolce sits, painting streaks of stony, sandy loam. Here, the high altitudes and rich soils nurture thick-skinned Nerello Mascalese grapes that harbor ample tannins and acidity. These features materialize beautifully in the Etna Rosso, balancing the wine’s rich complexity with a refreshing levity you won’t find in other Italian reds.