Contrada Pianodario Etna Rosso DOC 2016 Tenuta Tascante

One of three new single-vineyard wines introduced by Tasca's Tascante, the 2016 Etna Rosso Contrada Pianodario comes from the western-most parcel located between Montelaguardia and Randazzo. These are relatively new vines, planted in 2010, in soils representing various lava flows, the oldest in 1646 and the newest in 1981. This is a bright and accessible wine with pretty tones of wild berry and dried pomegranate followed by candied orange and pressed violets. It will no doubt be exciting to follow this wine as those vines get, proverbially speaking, older and wiser. Some 5,000 bottles were made.

Tasca's Tascante has unveiled an impressive set of new single-contrada wines that underline a commitment to the Etna wine philosophy and its traditions. These are inaugural vintages from the Contrade Sciaranuova (with two wines made from older vines and newer ones, respectively), Rampante and Pianodario. I am absolutely delighted by this range and the distinctive quality offered by each. I am equally impressed by the technical sheets that came with my samples. They show vineyard planting dates, soil maps and—most importantly—the exact location of each vineyard on the volcano and the corresponding lava flows. Thank you!

Plenty of smoke, pumice, cedar, pine cones and cigar box on this one, not to mention dried strawberries and red licorice. Then come hints of treacle tart and fudge. Lots of mineral drive on the palate, which is wrapped up neatly in fine tannins. Medium-bodied and quite long on the finish. Drink now.