2019 Tenuta Tascante Etna Rosso Contrada Pianodario

Tenuta Tascante Winery Tenuta Tascante is the Etna project of the historic Sicilian winery Tasca d'Almerita, a family connected to viticulture in Sicily for eight generations. While Tasca d'Almerita is known for various estates scattered across the island, Tascante focuses entirely on the unique terroirs of Mount Etna. On the northeastern slopes of the active volcano, they work with so-called contrade, specific cru locations with their own distinct identity. The emphasis here is on terroir expression, finesse, and precision, with Nerello Mascalese playing the leading role. More information about this winery can be found under the Winery tab. Region, climate and location The 2019 Contrada Pianodario comes from one of Tenuta Tascante's highest vineyards, situated at an altitude of approximately 775 meters on the northeastern flank of Mount Etna. The high altitude location ensures cooler temperatures, slower ripening, and striking freshness, even in warmer vintages. Furthermore, Pianodario is the last vineyard to be harvested, resulting in additional aromatic refinement. The soil consists of volcanic rock ranging from approximately 4,000 to 15,000 years old. These poor, stony soils impart a distinct mineral tension to the wine and an almost dusty volcanic signature. The climate on Mount Etna is unique within Sicily: warm Mediterranean days alternate with distinctly cool nights, allowing the grapes to retain their natural freshness and ripen very slowly. Although 2019 on Etna is known as a relatively concentrated vintage, Pianodario actually displays a remarkably refined, elegant interpretation. According to Monica Larner of Wine Advocate, this wine manages to combine power and structure with an unexpectedly light and almost ethereal style. Vineyards and grape varieties The 2019 Contrada Pianodario is made from 100% Nerello Mascalese, the iconic grape of Etna. This grape feels exceptionally at home on the volcanic slopes and produces wines with tension, refinement, and an almost transparent terroir expression. The Contrada Pianodario vineyard covers nearly eight hectares and has a slope of approximately 7%. Thanks to the relatively high altitude and cooler conditions, the grape here develops a style distinguished by finesse, fresh acidity, and lively tannins. Compared to other Sicilian red wines, this style feels remarkably light-footed and refined. Harvest, vinification and aging The grapes are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness, usually later than on other plots on Mount Etna. After picking, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. Fermentation on the skins creates extra structure and refined tannin development. After fermentation, the wine ages for twelve months in large Slavonian oak vats. These traditional large wooden barrels impart hardly any dominant wood influence and leave the pure expression of fruit and terroir almost entirely intact. It is precisely this restrained aging that supports the refined and elegant character of Pianodario. Color, smell and taste The 2019 Contrada Pianodario displays a strikingly light ruby red color, almost transparent in appearance. This is typical of high-altitude Etna Rosso and immediately underscores the refined style of the wine. On the nose, the wine opens subtly and delicately with aromas of fresh red cherries, wild raspberry, and redcurrant, complemented by violets, rose petals, and a light spiciness. Following this are notes of bitter almond, nutmeg, and an almost dusty volcanic minerality typical of Etna. According to Monica Larner, it is precisely the combination of elegance and subtle intensity that is particularly successful in this vintage, with the wine possessing remarkable structure despite its light color. On the palate, medium-bodied, refined, and strikingly energetic. Lively acidity provides tension and length, while silky tannins ensure elegance. The fruit feels bright and juicy, supported by subtl