Gaja - 2019 - Idda Etna Rosso - 750 ml.

The Idda 2019 Etna Rosso shows depth, length and everything in between. This 2019 vintage benefits from a long and slow growing season, just what the native red grapes of Etna prefer. The spring season saw a lot of rain for ample water reserves, and the weather then transitioned to a dry but not too hot summer season. The late harvest helped to develop structure and linearity in the wine that you taste, thanks to bright fruit nuances of blackberry, plum and a touch of candied orange peel. The wine is light, vertical and otherwise void of any residual heaviness. It finishes with pretty accents of toasted nut and earthy terracotta.

James Suckling: 96

This is really beautifully rich and opulent with aromas of ripe fruit, caramel and chocolate brioche. Some earth, too. Medium-to full-bodied with soft, integrated tannins that give a cashmere mouth feel. It’s fresh and very long with gorgeous texture and a delicious finish. 98% nerello mascalese and 2% nerello cappuccio. A joint production from Graci and Gaja. So attractive to drink now, but better in 2023.

Wine Enthusiast: 93

The result of a joint venture between Etna pioneer Graci and Piedmont icon Gaja, this has aromas of camphor, Mediterranean scrub and blue flower. Vibrant and savory, the elegantly structured, palate offers ripe raspberry, licorice and a hint of coffee bean before a flinty close. Polished tannins offer smooth support. Drink through 2027.