Etna Animardente 2014

SANTO SPIRITO DI PASSOPISCIARO

Etna Animardente
2014

Country
Italy
Regulated designation
Denominazione di origine controllata (DOC)
Region
Sicily
Appellation
Etna
Varietal(s)
Nerello Mascalese 100 %
Alcohol percentage
14%
Colour
Red
Producer's website

About this winery

Contrada Santo Spirito is the latest project from Antonio Moretti Cuseri, the owner of the world class Tenuta Sette Ponti and Podere Orma in Tuscany and Feudo Maccari in Noto, Sicily. Dr. Morretti fell in love with the estate, which is located between Passopisciaro and Randazzo at the foot of Mount Etna, located in the province of Catania which is considered one of the most beautiful places in Italy. The 14 hectare estate is located at 700 metres above sea level and is planted to autochthonous...

See the SANTO SPIRITO DI PASSOPISCIARO detail page for more information on this brand

Production notes

100% Nerello Mascalese, an autochthonous variety planted on the Volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, 700 metres above sea level. The, mostly ungrafted, vines are over 60 years old. The combination vine age and volcanic soils give the wine its elegance and a velvety texture. It is full bodied, but has a freshness that is a signature of vines grown at a high altitude. A classic example of Nerello Mascalese.

Tasting notes

100% Nerello Mascalese, an autochthonous variety planted on the Volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, 700 metres above sea level. The, mostly ungrafted, vines are over 60 years old. The combination vine age and volcanic soils give the wine its elegance and a velvety texture. It is full bodied, but has a freshness that is a signature of vines grown at a high altitude. A classic example of Nerello Mascalese.

Press reviews

James Suckling

- 93 points -

(Vintage 2018)

A very tight and very focused Etna red with lots of red fruit, as well as plums, cherries, orange peel and dried flowers. Linear and racy with energy and intensity. Better in 2021.

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Wine Advocate

- 93 points -

(Vintage 2018)

The Contrada Santo Spirito di Passopisciaro 2018 Etna Rosso Animardente opens to a lean-bodied appearance and shows bright aromas of cassis, sour cherry and blackcurrant. The wine is tart and fresh with a silky mouthfeel that washes clean over the palate, imparting dried mountain herb, volcanic ash and light spice along the way. Fruit is drawn from a high-altitude site at 700 meters above sea level on rocky terrain shaped by ancient lava flows. The vines are planted in traditional alberello and are 70 years old, accounting for the wine's fruit depth and subtle complexity. Production is 3,830 bottles.

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 Wine Enthusiast

- 91 points -

(Vintage 2018)

Wild berry, eucalyptus and Mediterranean scrub aromas form the nose on this poised, focused red. Polished and svelte, the racy palate offers juicy strawberry, red cherry and star anise before a saline close. Lithe, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity provide balance.

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Wine Spectator

- 91 points -

(Vintage 2018)

There's a pleasing vibrancy to this harmonious red, with supple tannins and light acidity buoying flavors of dried strawberry and cherry, violet and anise. Darker base notes of sweet apple smoke and fig cake push through on the finish. Drink now through 2026. 2,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.

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