Sicilian wine has exploded in popularity over the past decade, especially the volcanic gems of Mount Etna, but with that rise has come a steep climb in pricing. That’s why we’re especially excited about this find. After tasting through a wide lineup of Sicilian reds recently, the clear standout was the 2021 Tenuta di Fessina Etna Rosso Erse—not just for its sheer quality but for the incredible value it delivers. Sourced from old-vine Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio—some dating back to the 1950s—this wine channels the soul of Etna grown at high altitude on mineral-rich volcanic soils. These gnarled vines produce a wine of striking finesse and depth. The 2021 vintage was warm and dry, with low yields concentrating the fruit and structure. The result is a wine that bursts with vibrant red cherry, wild blueberry, crushed violets, dried herbs, and that unmistakable smoky-earth Etna signature. Fermentation with native yeasts in stainless steel and aging in concrete and large neutral barrels keeps the fruit pure and the texture refined. This wine has excellent energy, with tension and transparency, that will appeal to lovers of Burgundy and traditional Barolo. At this price point, it’s one of the smartest buys in Etna Rosso right now—classic, characterful, and far more complex than it should be for the money!
James Suckling 93 pts! Plenty of blue fruit with crushed blackberry and blueberry aromas as well as boysenberries. Impressively clear fruit here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine and creamy tannins and a fresh and fruity finish. Delicious now. Drink or hold.
Vinous 90 pts! Wild strawberries, gingery spice and wet stone form a beautiful bouquet as the 2021 Etna Rosso Erse opens in the glass. This soothes with its round textures and vividly ripe wild berry fruits as sweet spices and rosy inner florals amass toward the close. It finishes with medium length, a licorice tinge and youthful tension, yet leaves the mouth watering for more. (Drink between 2023 - 2027)
2021 Tenuta di Fessina Etna Erse
2021 Tenuta di Fessina Etna Erse
Sicilian wine has exploded in popularity over the past decade, especially the volcanic gems of Mount Etna, but with that rise has come a steep climb in pricing. That’s why we’re especially excited about this find. After tasting through a wide lineup of Sicilian reds recently, the clear standout was the 2021 Tenuta di Fessina Etna Rosso Erse—not just for its sheer quality but for the incredible value it delivers. Sourced from old-vine Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio—some dating back to the 1950s—this wine channels the soul of Etna grown at high altitude on mineral-rich volcanic soils. These gnarled vines produce a wine of striking finesse and depth. The 2021 vintage was warm and dry, with low yields concentrating the fruit and structure. The result is a wine that bursts with vibrant red cherry, wild blueberry, crushed violets, dried herbs, and that unmistakable smoky-earth Etna signature. Fermentation with native yeasts in stainless steel and aging in concrete and large neutral barrels keeps the fruit pure and the texture refined. This wine has excellent energy, with tension and transparency, that will appeal to lovers of Burgundy and traditional Barolo. At this price point, it’s one of the smartest buys in Etna Rosso right now—classic, characterful, and far more complex than it should be for the money!
James Suckling 93 pts! Plenty of blue fruit with crushed blackberry and blueberry aromas as well as boysenberries. Impressively clear fruit here. The palate is medium-bodied with fine and creamy tannins and a fresh and fruity finish. Delicious now. Drink or hold.
Vinous 90 pts! Wild strawberries, gingery spice and wet stone form a beautiful bouquet as the 2021 Etna Rosso Erse opens in the glass. This soothes with its round textures and vividly ripe wild berry fruits as sweet spices and rosy inner florals amass toward the close. It finishes with medium length, a licorice tinge and youthful tension, yet leaves the mouth watering for more. (Drink between 2023 - 2027)
