San Nicolo, Biondi - 2018

Wines from Mount Etna in the north-eastern corner of Sicily continue to impress me. Contrada Monte San Nicolò is situated on the side of a 12,000-year-old crater on the south-eastern side of the volcano. The volcanic, iron-rich soil of red pumice inhibited the invasion of phylloxera and left the vines ungrafted on their natural rootstock gaining complexity with age. This wine is for lovers of red Burgundy and Nebbiolo, high-toned, elegant red fruits dominate, while the incredible freshness and fine-grained, grippy tannins coat the mouth. Don't let the pale, ruby color fool you, this wine is complex and only gets better. With time in the bottle or glass, bright, fresh red fruits are joined by savory notes of cured meat, dried roses, leather, and a smoky mineral note on the palate. Decant and enjoy now or age for the next 5-10 years.