When Emanuele Scammacca Barone del Murgo retired from his diplomatic career—having served as Italy’s Ambassador to the Vatican, Belgium, and the USSR—he returned to his family's ancient estate on Mount Etna with a vision. The Scammacca del Murgo clan had been cultivating these volcanic slopes since 1850, but their wines had remained a well-kept secret among friends and family.

In 1981, Emanuele and his EIGHT (!) sons set out to transform their property into a modern estate while honoring its deep roots. They became the first artisans to champion Nerello Mascalese as a sparkling wine, recognizing that this indigenous variety—thriving in high-altitude vineyards of pure lava sand—could produce something otherworldly.

Today, Michele Scammacca del Murgo continues the family tradition in Santa Venerina, on Etna's eastern slopes. Their terraced vineyards climb from 1,600 to 2,000 feet above sea level, where 30 to 40-year-old vines dig deep into volcanic sand. Here, they craft this rosé using Nerello Mascalese, one of Italy's most captivating varieties, adding a fascinating aromatic dimension you’ve really got to taste to understand. It’s addictive though.

Why You'll Love It

• Truly Individual, Indigenous Rosé from a volcano, expressing the unique character of Etna's black sands and Nerello Mascalese via fascinating notes of guava, strawberry, ginger, and honey. It’s got real grip and verve to keep you coming back to the glass for more refreshment. 

• Superb VALUE, still only $19 by the case when comparable domestic and Provençal rosé is now well over $25. Our Master Sommelier asked, “Is this perhaps one of the top 5 value Rosés in the US?”

How to Serve It

• Serve well-chilled in white wine stems at 42-46°F.

• Drink now through 2026; no need to wait.

• Perfect with ahi tuna and avocado tacos, duck confit bánh mì, or fritto misto.