The 2011 Etna Rosso A Rina is a heavily volcanic wine with a sharp vein of flint, ash and brimstone that cuts straight through. It’s almost saline in character. Pretty fruit tones round off the finish. Drink 2015-2030.
Giuseppe Russo is among my favorite Etna producers. A trained pianist, he abandoned music to make wine after his father’s death. His cellar is the old garage that his father once used for woodshop, and his mom (a fabulous cook) lives in the apartment above. Giuseppe has recently made improvements to his winery space and he continues to farm according to tried and true Etna tradition.
Importer: Panebianco, www.panebiancollc.com