2015 Cusumano Alta Mora Feudo di Mezzo Etna Rosso

The Cusumano brothers have successfully given voice to this top-tier Etna red. The 2015 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo is a direct and linear expression with just enough fruity softness and roundness to form a solid center of gravity and general complexity. This pure Nerello Mascalese ages in 30- and 50-hectoliter botte for 18 months. The wine delivers delicate berry aromas with crushed stone, spice, tar and campfire ash playing softly as background music. The tannins are a bit dry (I noticed this often in this vintage), but the wine covers all the bases for this prized vineyard on Etna. Vines planted in the Feudo di Mezzo Contrada are more than 100 years old.

Aromas of black-skinned berry, coconut and a whiff of Mediterranean scrub shape the nose. The taut, linear palate offers black cherry, raspberry jam, exotic spice and a toasted almond note alongside tight, lithe tannins. - K.O. Published 1/1/2020