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

If you want to experience the absolute peak of high-altitude Etna Rosso, Salvo Foti and I Custodi’s 2016 "Saeculare" Riserva is the holy grail. Crafted by I Vigneri—the legendary winemaking guild responsible for resurrecting Mount Etna's wine revolution—this bottling comes from ancient, 150 to 250-plus-year-old pre-phylloxera alberello (bush) vines clinging to hand-built stone terraces 900 meters above sea level. Because these century-old vines produce minuscule yields and require backbreaking manual farming, production is extraordinarily scarce—less than 300 cases are produced in any given vintage. Aged for nearly four years in large Slavonian oak vats and held for years in bottle before release, it delivers the aristocratic perfume, weightless power, and ethereal, Burgundian lift that makes Mount Etna the most exciting volcanic terroir on Earth.

In the glass, it pours a translucent garnet-ruby with brick reflections at the rim. High-toned aromatics immediately leap out: dried sour cherries, wild strawberries, blood orange peel, and dried rose petals, seamlessly woven with smoky volcanic ash, leather, crushed flint, and wild Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it is sleek, vibrant, and incredibly complex, driving its dried red-fruit core through a laser beam of racy acidity and fine, graphite-tinged tannins. Unfined, unfiltered, and brimming with volcanic energy, this rare Riserva is drinking beautifully today after a brief decant and will easily cellar for another decade or more.

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

• Scarcity & Collector Pedigree: Produced in tiny quantities (under 300 cases total per vintage) from 220 year-old pre-phylloxera vines by Mount Etna's legendary master grower, Salvo Foti.

• The "Barolo of the Mediterranean": Offers the aromatic complexity of aged Nebbiolo and the ethereal elegance of Premier Cru Pinot Noir, underpinned by raw, volcanic minerality.

• Extended Cellar Aging: Matured for nearly four years in oak and aged extensively at the estate, saving you years of cellar waiting time.

How To Serve It

• Ideal Temperature: Serve slightly cool at 60°F–65°F in wide-bowled Burgundy stems to highlight its complex florals and dried fruit aromatics.

• Decanting / Prep: Decant for 45 to 60 minutes before serving to allow the savory volcanic minerals and crushed dried herbs to open fully.

• Food Pairing: Sensational alongside roasted rack of lamb, wild boar ragù over pappardelle, or wild mushroom and black truffle risotto.