At a glance

Producer

Calabretta

Region

Etna, Sicily, Italy

Grape variety

Nerello Mascalese

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$20-$30

Tasting profile

Fresh red cherry and raspberry aromas, floral notes, hints of volcanic mineral, subtle spice and earthy undertones.

Evolution: Develops complexity with secondary bouquet of dried herbs, tobacco leaf, and leather over 5-8 years.

At peak: Balanced, elegant, with silky tannins and layered earthy minerality, integrated fruit, and refined finish.

Structure

Acidity

High, refreshing acidity typical of Etna Rosso

Tannins

Medium, fine-grained tannins with some grip

Alcohol

13.5%-14%

Aging potential

10-15 years under proper cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2033

Optimal window

2025 to 2035

Current status

Approaching early drinking maturity

Current condition

Young with developing tannins and vibrant acidity

The volcanic soils and high-altitude vineyards impart a distinctive mineral backbone and natural acidity, allowing the wine to age gracefully for 10-15 years. The 2020 vintage shows promising structure and balance enhancing its aging potential.

Food pairing

Italian cuisine featuring grilled meats, mushroom risotto, aged pecorino, pasta with tomato-based sauces, and charcuterie.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — To soften tannins and open up complex aromas

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Use of low-impact winery technology, water conservation through drip irrigation, reduced pesticide use, manual harvesting

Calabretta maintains a commitment to organic farming practices and sustainable viticulture typical for many Etna producers. The use of indigenous Nerello Mascalese grapes from volcanic soils combined with small-scale production helps reduce environmental impact. Energy use is minimized by modern equipment, and water conservation is practiced via drip irrigation. The winery uses recyclable lightweight bottles to help lower carbon emissions during shipping. While not biodynamic, their organic certification and sustainable farming techniques contribute strongly to their sustainability profile.