Pre-phylloxera bush vines, volcanic slate-basalt tension, and Salvo Foti's ultimate Riserva masterpiece.

It is hard to argue that Mount Etna hasn’t catapulted to the very pinnacle of the Italian collecting pyramid. For those who seek the finest single-site Etna wines—or demand the depth, power, and refined elegance of properly cellared Cru Nebbiolo or Grand Cru Burgundy—it is time to hit the order button. Sourced from 220-year-old pre-phylloxera vines (80% Nerello Mascalese with Nerello Cappuccio and Alicante), the 97-Point (Vinous) 2016 I Custodi "Saeculare" Etna Rosso Riserva from Contrada Feudo di Mezzo is a newly released, 10-year-aged volcanic relic. Under 275 cases are made worldwide in select vintages, making every single bottle an extraordinary find.

Named after the Roman Ludi Saeculares ("Century Games") to honor vines that have endured two full centuries, this cuvée is crafted by Mario Paoluzi and legendary Etna viticulturist Salvo Foti (I Vigneri). Farming bush-trained alberellovines at 650+ meters, they practice radical cellar patience: Saeculare rests three years in neutral 500L tonneaux and another three full years in bottle before release.

Poured into a wide Burgundy stem, it erupts with dried red cherry, blood orange, crushed rose, smoldering volcanic ash,and iron. The palate pairs the aristocratic, savory structure of aged Barolo with Etna's signature saline minerality, buoyant mountain acidity, and seamless tannins. Bottlings with this degree of vine pedigree, patience, and critical acclaim are near non-existent—claim yours before this limited parcel is gone.

Critical Acclaim:

97 Points, Vinous Media:

"The 2016 Etna Rosso Riserva Saeculare impresses with fragrances of crushed ashen stone, smoke and animal musk before revealing dried black cherries and a balsamic inflection. It's surprisingly racy and refined with radiant red and black fruits and crunchy mineral undertones. A touch of blood orange mingles with hints of clove. The 2016 closes with edgy tannins, sour citrus and dramatic length and concentration. The Riserva Saeculare hails from vines up to 200 years old in the Feudo di Mezzo Contrada."

Why You'll Love It

• Pre-Phylloxera Living History: Bottled from ungrafted, 220-year-old bush vines rooted directly in black volcanic pumice—some of the oldest living, fruit-bearing vines on the planet.

• The "Barolo Meets Burgundy" Silhouette: Combines the perfumed, ethereal red-fruit aromatics of Grand Cru Côte de Nuits with the savory iron, leather, and structural stamina of mature Serralunga Barolo.

• Cellar Work Already Done: Released a decade after vintage following six meticulous years of maturation (three in large oak, three in bottle). It arrives with prime, secondary complexity right on delivery.

• True Micro-Production Rarity: Less than 275 cases produced globally, with only a 36-bottle slice allocated here.

How to Serve It

• Glassware: Large Burgundy or Nebbiolo stem to let the layered floral and smoky ash aromatics unfurl.

• Temperature: Cool cellar temperature, ideally 58°F–64°F. Avoid serving too warm to preserve its high-toned mountain freshness.

• Decanting: Decant 60 to 90 minutes prior to serving. It has had years of silent bottle rest and thrives with gentle aeration.

• Cellar Window: Phenomenal now with air; structured to develop gracefully through 2036+.

• Food Pairing: Braised wild boar ragù over pappardelle, roasted squab or duck breast with rosemary and cherry reduction, grilled lamb chops over charcoal, or aged Sicilian caciocavallo.