Etna Rosso 'Aetneus - Contrada Muganazzi'

Score

94

"The 2021 Etna Rosso Aetneus entices with a burst of balsamic black cherries, rosemary, sage, hints of white smoke and ground cloves. It's silky-smooth and supple with radiant acidity and vividly ripe red and blue fruits. The 2021 maintains fantastic energy despite its concentration and complexity, as fine-grained tannins envelop the palate and nuances of red plum fade. There's a lot of power here, but it is balanced."

Score

93

"The organic I Custodi 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Muganazzi Aetneus, now labeled with the contrada name, is a blend of 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nerello Cappuccio. Initially reduced and slow to open, it reveals flinty aromas, dark smoke and a compact core of dark fruit. The medium- to full-bodied palate reflects the greater substance and structure of this hot, dry vintage. Fermented in stainless steel and matured in tonneaux for 18 months, the wine comes from two hectares of volcanic soils at 680 meters in elevation."

Score

95

"The 2020 Etna Rosso Aetneus smolders up with a darkly floral mix of mentholated black cherries, dried violets and ashen stones. Silken textures, cooling acidity and ripe wild berry fruits wash across the palate. A saturation of minerals and fine tannins amass toward the close. Built for the cellar, this finishes long and structured with a resonance of sour citrus and lavender pastille. The 2020 is a gorgeous rendition of I Custodi's Aetneus."

Score

93

"The I Custodi 2020 Etna Rosso Contrada Muganazzi Aetneus is Nerello Mascalese with 20% Nerello Cappuccio that is fermented in stainless steel and aged in tonneaux for 18 months. Nerello Cappuccio adds a spicy character to this wine with hints of black pepper and nutmeg, but when you dig down to the core of this medium-bodied red, you get a pretty blast of primary freshness with wild cherry and blackcurrant. These vineyards are located at 680 meters above sea level with especially rocky volcanic soils. This is a production of 8,400 bottles."