2019 Madaudo - Etna Rosso DOC Fumante Contrada San Lorenzo (750ml)

Souced from high-altitude vineyards on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, the 2019 Madaudo Etna Rosso Fumante captures the volcano’s distinctive terroir through a blend dominated by Nerello Mascalese, finished with a modest addition of indigenous Nerello Cappuccio. Founded in 2016 by sisters Maria Pia and Cristina Madaudo, Cantine Madaudo farms the family’s original plots in Contrada San Lorenzo, where cool nighttime air, significant day-to-night temperature shifts, and deep deposits of volcanic ash and soidifed lava soil shape the growing cycle of these steep-slopes vines.

Following fermentation, the wine ages in wooden vessels the integrate seamlessly with its structural frame, adding subtle roundness to the naturally bright acidity while keeping tannins firm yet manageable. This 2019 vintage pours a vivid ruby that quickly advances toward garnet, delivering aromas of fresh cherry, wild strawberry, and ripe raspberry woven with cracked peppercorn, allspice, and gentle echoes of cocoa and espresso from the barrel regimen. On the palate, it tracks those aromatic cues with a harmonious, dry profile, showcasing well-integrated tannins and a savory midsection that resolves into a persistent mineral edge.

This combination of crisp acidity and earth-forward structure makes the wine a precise match for robust culinary pairings. Serve it alongside charred or roasted red meats, herb-accented vegetables, and aged hard cheeses such as aged pecorino. The moderate alcohol and balanced sugar levels ensure a dry, straightforward drinking experience that rewards either immediate consumption or a few years of cellar time to allow the oak-derived nuances to fully settle into the fruit core.