The 2011 Pinò is a fascinating wine. It is a pure expression of Pinot Nero from Mt. Etna. When the Etna appellation began its rise to fame some ten years ago, many producers pledged to plant the Burgundian variety on the charred slopes of this mighty volcano. Significant plantings of Pinot Nero never occurred as many vintners opted for the indigenous grape Nerello Mascalese instead. Gulfi remains committed to Pinto Nero on Etna and Pinò is the proud result. This wine acts to record what the grape can achieve in these heavily volcanic soils. It opens to a darkly saturated color (on the Pinot Nero color spectrum) and heavy aromas of dried cherry and cassis. There are distant floral notes but they are very faint in this warm vintage. The mouthfeel is polished and fresh. Ultimately, this wine is more expression of Etna than it is of the grape.