PIETRADOLCE Contrada Rampante Vigna Barbagalli - Etna 2019 Bottle

Description

Barbagalli Etna Rosso 2019, sourced from a historic pre-phylloxera plot in Contrada Rampante, captures the pure essence of Etna, earning 96 points from Decanter. This wine beautifully balances power and elegance, showcasing a unique microclimate characterized by significant temperature variations and sandy, volcanic rock-rich soils. The fragrant bouquet reveals dark cherries, blackberries, chocolate, and pepper, accented by balsamic herbs. On the palate, structural tannins support brooding dark fruit flavours infused with violets, while bright acidity highlights its impressive vibrancy. Aged for 20 months in oak barrels, followed by bottle maturation, this wine delivers great persistence and a distinctive blend of opulence and finesse, making Barbagalli Etna Rosso an exceptional choice for enthusiasts from 2025 to 2034.

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PIETRADOLCE
Pietradolce is a notable winery located on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, recognized for its dedication to producing high-quality wines that express the region's unique terroir. Founded in 2005 by the Caruso family, the estate benefits from volcanic soils and a distinctive microclimate at high altitudes, ideal for grape cultivation. Pietradolce specializes in indigenous Sicilian varieties, particularly Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio for red wines, and Carricante for white. The winery employs traditional winemaking techniques alongside modern practices to enhance quality. Pietradolce's wines are celebrated for their elegance, minerality, and vibrant acidity, often featuring flavors of red fruits, herbs, and spices. The winery has gained recognition for its exceptional Etna wines and its commitment to sustainability.

Barbagalli Etna Rosso, the purest expression of Etna, comes from a very small pre-phylloxera plot in Contrada Rampante at 900 meters above sea level. This wine can bring the power and elegance of the volcano into the glass. The microclimate of this area is characterised by strong temperature variations, while the sandy soil, rich in volcanic rock, contributes to its uniqueness. The vines have an average age of approximately 100-120 years.

The harvest takes place at the end of October. After careful maceration and fermentation, the wine is left to age for 20 months in oak barrels, followed by maturation in the bottle. The result is an all-encompassing, distinctive taste, both opulent and fine, with balsamic and pastoral notes, great persistence and with long aging potential.

DECANTER 96 points
Tasted by: James Button
(at Etna, 12 Sep 2024)
Drinking Window: 2025 - 2034
Poised, fragrant and mineral; Barbagalli 2019 is a bewitching wine. Dark cherries, blackberry, chocolate and pepper curl together, outlined by some balsamic herbs. In the mouth the structural tannins and brooding dark fruits are infused with violets, and bright acidity crystallises its vibrancy. Outstanding.