The 2008 Etna Rosso is a rock-star wine for the money. The purity and depth of the dark red fruit is remarkable, while the finesse in the tannins is commendable for a wine in this price range. Sweet tobacco, flowers and spices linger on the finish. Consider the Etna Rosso a poor man's Burgundy or Barolo. It is a great effort at this level. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2016.
Proprietor Marc de Grazia is one of the pioneers of the Etna. Not only was he among the first producers to recognize the value of these once-forgotten, ancient terroirs, he also was the first producer to bring attention to the specific qualities of these vineyards by bottling single-parcel Nerellos that have become reference-point wines for the Etna.
A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119