2019 “Erse” Etna Rosato - Tenuta di Fessina
Beautifully expressive yet simultaneously electric beams of wild strawberry, white raspberry, tart red cherry, and citrus zest lead a nuanced yet delightfully nervy attack that is sneakily powerful while still remaining irresistibly bright. Notes of iron, delicate salinity, and volcanic minerality proudly announce intense earthy leanings that are enhanced in savoriness by thyme, sage, and a sprinkling of wild herbs. Gentle hints of rosewater and wildflowers subtly impart understated floral lift that completes the still youthful and wonderfully vibrant display. Notably deep and pure-fruited on the palate while maintaining excellent tension, energy, and bite; exhibiting a dry, lean, and crisp presentation that possesses outstanding complexity and a deliciously lengthy finish. Medium bodied and booming with high acidity. This 2019 "Erse" Etna Rosato by Tenuta di Fessina is an intriguing volcanic rosé from Sicily.
Noteworthy for its status as a high quality winegrowing region perilously located on one of the world's most active volcanoes, the Etna DOC sits in the foothills of Italy's Mt. Etna and is known to regularly shape wines of unparalleled earthy complexity and minerality. This bottling, crafted Tenuta di Fessina using Nerello Mascalese sourced from their vineyards within the Etna DOC, brilliantly showcases the mythical terroir of this unique and legendary region. This beams with a range of nicely ripe yet still tart red fruits cut with powerful volcanic minerality, mild herbs, and subtle floral notes. Although it already has a few years of bottle age under its belt there should be no rush to open this wine, as its energy, vibrancy, and structure will surely assist it in drinking well for another 3+ years with ease. Excellent.