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SKU 1036319
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The 2020 Etna Rosso Aetneus smolders up with a darkly floral mix of mentholated black cherries, dried violets and ashen stones. Silken textures, cooling acidity and ripe wild berry fruits wash across the palate. A saturation of minerals and fine tannins amass toward the close. Built for the cellar, this finishes long and structured with a resonance of sour citrus and lavender pastille. The 2020 is a gorgeous rendition of I Custodi’s Aetneus.
Nerello, an indigenous grape variety thriving on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, is a captivating and unique wine varietal deserving exploration. The two primary expressions, Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, contribute to the region's acclaimed Etna wines. Known for their versatility, Nerello grapes produce wines with vibrant acidity, moderate tannins, and an alluring spectrum of red fruit flavors, from cherries to raspberries. However, what sets Nerello apart is its ability to convey the distinctive volcanic terroir of Mount Etna. The vines' roots delve into mineral-rich volcanic soils, imparting a unique mineral character and a profound sense of place to the wines. Nerello wines, with their elegance and volcanic edge, provide a captivating journey into Sicily's winemaking heritage, showcasing the harmonious relationship between grape variety and terroir.
Country
Italy
There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.
Region
Sicily
The beautiful island of Sicily has been growing grapevines and producing wines for thousands of years, ever since the ancient Greeks first landed on its golden shores and noticed the island's true potential as a haven for quality grapes. Today, the island is one of Italy's primary wine regions, and even though over eighty percent of Sicily's grapevines are used for the production of sweet fortified wines, the remaining wineries making other wine styles are renowned around the world for their quality and character. Indeed, Sicilian wineries are famed for their ability to capture something of the sun-drenched region in their wines, and the vines they cultivate benefit enormously from the almost constant sunshine and the incredibly fertile volcanic soils which typify the island.
Appellation
Etna
Etna, a captivating wine appellation nestled on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, is gaining global recognition for its unique and expressive wines. The region's volcanic soils, shaped by the active volcano, impart distinctive mineral nuances to the wines, making Etna wines truly exceptional. Primarily focused on the indigenous Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grapes, these wines showcase vibrant acidity, red fruit flavors, and an intriguing volcanic terroir. The high-altitude vineyards, coupled with varying microclimates, contribute to the complexity and finesse of Etna wines. Embracing both tradition and innovation, Etna stands as a testament to the fascinating interplay between terroir and grape varieties, offering wine enthusiasts a unique and memorable tasting experience.
VM95pts
Vinous Media
The 2020 Etna Rosso Aetneus smolders up with a darkly floral mix of mentholated black cherries, dried violets and ashen stones. Silken textures, cooling acidity and ripe wild berry fruits wash across the palate. A saturation of minerals and fine tannins amass toward the close. Built for the cellar, this finishes long and structured with a resonance of sour citrus and lavender pastille. The 2020 is a gorgeous rendition of I Custodi's Aetneus.
WA93pts
Wine Advocate
The I Custodi 2020 Etna Rosso Contrada Muganazzi Aetneus is Nerello Mascalese with 20% Nerello Cappuccio that is fermented in stainless steel and aged in tonneaux for 18 months. Nerello Cappuccio adds a spicy character to this wine with hints of black pepper and nutmeg, but when you dig down to the core of this medium-bodied red, you get a pretty blast of primary freshness with wild cherry and blackcurrant. These vineyards are located at 680 meters above sea level with especially rocky volcanic soils. This is a production of 8,400 bottles.
JS93pts
James Suckling
A complex wine with a layered nose showing restrained black pepper, leather, game and dark fruits merged with smokiness. On the palate, it’s firm on the attack, large-grained tannins turning supple in the finish. Medium- to full-bodied and not dry, it has crisp acidity and good length. Drink or hold.
JD93pts
Jeb Dunnuck
Medium red in color, the 2020 Etna Rosso Aetneus is a more serious expression and has a more autumnal feel, with notes of fresh leather, ripe sunbaked cherries, delicate rustic hints, fresh wild herbs, and dried earth. It has layered richness and a broader frame, with ripe tannins and a more grounding feel, although it also has freshness of acidity. Drink 2025-2040.
DC90pts
Decanter
This long-aged, old-vine field blend from Contrada Muganazzi is deep and chocolatey, full of wood and subtle meat notes, along with fading red and black fruits and some tobacco. The finish is bright and saline, but the fruit already feels like it's on the way out.
