This is Alberto Graci's top-shelf wine. The 2013 Sicilia Quota 1000 Barbabecchi is a pure expression of Nerello Mascalese, with fruit sourced from one of Etna's highest vineyards up on the volcano's steep slopes. This wine opens to a mild garnet color and lean consistency. What it lacks in color saturation, it makes up for in terms of power and aromatic intensity. The wine's texture is lean and compact, but this wine does deliver beautifully in terms of long-lasting elegance and grace. This single-vineyard bottling from the Barbabecchi vineyard is labeled Sicily DOC instead of Etna DOC because the Etna appellation officially ends at 1,000 meters above sea level. These precious pre-phylloxera vines are planted just above that altitude. Only 1,600 bottles are made.

A seamless, medium-bodied red, with vibrant acidity enlivening the lovely range of dried raspberry and fig fruit, ground anise and black pepper flavors. A frame of supple tannins firms the graceful finish, which lingers with fragrant herb and tarry mineral details. Best from 2020 through 2030. 37 cases made, 15 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / South / Sicily / Sicilia Select to Add