2015 Rinazzu Etna Rosso Selezione Speciale

Mt. Etna’s Founding Father

If Mount Etna was Mount Rushmore, Salvo Foti would have his face where George Washington’s is. A native of the city of Catania, Salvo studied enology and began his winemaking career in 1981. A few years in, Salvo partnered with the Benanti family to extensively research the patchwork of volcanic soils and microclimates on Mt. Etna (note: Mt. Etna is an ACTIVE volcano). In 1988, after a careful selection process, Foti released his first vintage under the Benanti label. That was the first step; so many have followed.

Salvo’s winemaking has won accolades for estates such as Gulfi, Benanti, and I Vigneri, all of whose wines are universally recognized as among the best in Sicily. But it is still working with and for someone else. Salvo wanted his own project to really make a wine that sings. Enter Rinazzu.

The Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grapes that comprise the 2015 Rinazzu Etna Rosso hail from 20- to 40-year-old vines planted in sandy, volcanic mineral-rich soils, 2,300 feet up Mt. Etna. In 2015, significant diurnal temperature swings made for perfect maturation — cool nights kept acidities fresh, while warm, sunny days allowed for optimal phenolic maturity.

Hand-harvested in October. Completely de-stemmed before a 21-day maceration and fermented in stainless steel, then aged for about 12 months in 225- and 500-liter barrels. In 2015, the blend was 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nerello Cappuccio solely planted in Contrada Moganazzi in Castiglione di Sicilia, a village on the north face of Mt. Etna.

Salvo Foti’s 2015 Etna Rosso “Selezione Speciale” is bright ruby-red with pungent aromas of red cherry, violets, cherry cola, and smoky minerals. Fresh raspberry and cherry pulp flavors are lifted by tangy acidity and a strong saline note. Very supple and fresh, this is open for business. Drink now to 2027.

As we watched members gobble up our inaugural offer of Etna Rosso last August, we knew a new Italian category would become a WineAccess favorite. Wine lovers around the world have Salvo Foti to thank. Wine Spectator spotlighted him as among the select few “setting the pace for progress” in Sicily. The 2015 Rinazzu Selezione Speciale is exactly the kind of deep-fruited, mineral-laden gem that has critics raving. Just 300 bottles have been earmarked for WineAccess before the rest of the U.S. allocation evaporates. $36.99/bottle. Shipping included on 4 or more. Thanks, Salvo.

• ABV 13.50%
• Enjoy right away
• % Other Red Varietal