2015 Calabretta, Nerello Mascalese "Vigne Vecchie"

Mount Etna is red hot right now. In Sicily’s northeast corner, a flood of young winemakers and outside investment–not to mention singular wines–has made this literal active volcano one of the country’s most important regions. Azienda Vinicola Calabretta is one of the grand poobahs of the mountain, a local legend whose stunning bottles attracted all this attention in the first place. Today’s wine is a perfect example of just what makes Calabretta so special. Etna Rosso “Vigne Vecchie” a nearly decade-old beauty that rumbles with incredible power, volcanic depth, and soaring red fruit. The Calabretta family has cultivated ancient, own-rooted vines and historical winemaking techniques for over a century, and today we get to revel in the delicious results. “Vigne Vecchie” is an Italian red in the deeply traditional mold of icons like Rinaldi and Castell’in Villa. And while it’s in its prime drinking window now, like those legends, this’ll go for as long as you like in your cellar. Best of