Giovanni Rosso is actually one of the most famous Barolo producers in Piedmont. The family business from Serralunga d'Alba is over a hundred years old and developed from a grape producer to an absolute top wine estate in the 1990s. The company was also one of the first in the region to completely abandon the use of chemicals in the vineyard, which has definitely paid off in view of the outstanding quality of the wine.
Today, the fourth-generation winery run by Davide Rosso also produces on the other side of Italy – in Sicily. Fascinated by unique terroirs, Davide decided in 2016 to dedicate himself to a new oenological challenge in Solicchiata in Castiglione di Sicilia. He now owns a 14-hectare vineyard on the north-eastern slopes of the Etna volcano, of which almost seven hectares are planted with old Sicilian vines.
The Contrade Nuove Etna Rosso 2022 is a refined expression of Nerello Mascalese from the volcanic soils of Mount Etna in Sicily. On the nose, it opens with delicate floral aromas of rose petals and violets, layered over fresh red fruits like cherry and raspberry, along with a subtle hint of crushed stones and spice. The palate is vibrant yet elegant, showcasing a medley of red berries, dried herbs, and mineral notes that reflect its unique terroir. Fine-grained tannins and bright acidity provide structure and balance, leading to a long, focused finish with whispers of iron, bitter orange, and earthy complexity. This Etna Rosso captures the purity and precision of volcanic winemaking.
95 James Suckling Perfumed and graceful, showing an intense floral bouquet of violets, roses and jasmine as well as blood oranges and strawberries with whiffs of marzipan and stony minerality. The attack is smooth with a lot of fruit sweetness, full body, vibrant flavors and elegant tannins. Crunchy in the end, this has a long, juicy finish with citrus notes.
93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate The Giovanni Rosso 2022 Etna Rosso Contrade Nuove has a little more textural heft with dark fruit aromas due to the warm summer growing conditions on the volcano. This vintage was hot but cooled down by rain at the right times. Vintner Davide Rosso says that Nerello Mascalese tends to go into reduction and can produce green tannins. His solution is to allow more oxygen in winemaking with the use, for example, of amphorae, which tend to be more porous. Conical oak vats and stainless steel are also used. This pretty wine offers bright fruit, cherry and crushed roses.
91 Vinous Crushed raspberries, cranberries and sour cherries form a fruity yet tartly satisfying bouquet when the 2022 Etna Rosso Contrade Nuove opens in the glass. It combines ripe wild berries with mandarins and spices, all under a hint of floral lavender. The finish is medium-long and slightly tannic, but leaves a clear impression with traces of liquorice and blood orange.
90 Wine Spectator A bright and expressive version, fragrant with oak spice and sandalwood notes that are more subtle on the palate as they weave through the pureed raspberry, warm fig and tarry mineral flavors. Light, supple tannins firm the finish. Drink now through 2030.
