2022 Graci - Etna Rosso DOC Feudo di Mezzo (750ml)

Alberto Aiello Graci founded his winery in 2004 after leaving a career as an investment banker in Milan, returning to Sicily following his grandfather's death to farm land on Mount Etna's northern slope. He became one of a small group of pioneering producers who helped rebuild Etna's reputation after decades of decline, when steep, expensive-to-farm vineyards were being abandoned across the mountain. Today Graci also partners with Angelo Gaja on the Idda project, but continues to focus his own estate on traditional varieties and minimal intervention winemaking.

Feudo di Mezzo comes from organic vineyards in Arcuria di Passopisciaro, on Etna's northern slope, where thin, sandy volcanic soil sits at elevations between 600 and 1,000 meters. The blend leans heavily on Nerello Mascalese with a small portion of Nerello Cappuccio, hand-harvested and fermented with native yeasts in oak vats. The wine then ages for 24 months in oak barrels before bottling, a longer élevage that builds depth without masking the site's character.

Ruby red deepening toward garnet, the wine opens with blackberry and black currant that give way to violet on the finish. Full bodied on the palate, it carries a firm tannic backbone through to a savory close. Pair it with braised meats, wild mushroom risotto, or aged sheep's cheese.