Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Graci
Label Name:
 
Etna Rosso Quota 1000 Barbabecchi
Vintage:
 
2016
Country:
 
Italy
Region:
 
Etna DOC — Contrada Barbabecchi, Passopisciaro (Castiglione di Sicilia).
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14%
Grape(s):
 
Nerello Mascalese (100%).
Method:
 
Certified organic, dry-farmed vines at ~1,000m. Traditional red fermentation in vertical wooden 'tini' with ~30 days maceration using indigenous yeasts; natural malolactic; ~24 months in oak barrels and further bottle ageing.
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Bright red cherry, raspberry, ripe plum, currant, rhubarb, wild herbs, licorice and spice; lively acidity, firm fine-grained tannins, medium-full body and a very long, elegant finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Grilled/lamb, game, beef or mushroom risotto, aged pecorino or Parmigiano; Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi/galbi), char siu/roast pork, teriyaki beef, Sichuan-style dishes (moderately spicy), mushroom stir-fries.
Vineyard Info:
 
Produced by Graci (Alberto Graci) from old ungrafted vines in the Barbabecchi contrada on Mount Etna; family estate focused on high-altitude Nerello Mascalese and low-intervention viticulture.
Awards/Ratings:
 
Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 97 pts for the 2016 vintage; high scores across European merchants (many list 95–97)