Engineered for Barolo purists, Sicilian thrill-seekers, and collectors who live for top-flight red Burgundy, "Spinasanta" is a high-altitude revelation from central Sicily. While the wine world obsesses over triple-digit Etna bottles, Nicolò Grippaldi is executing a heroic, one-man show in Enna—the forgotten, interior heart of the island. Returning to reclaim his family’s century-old land, Grippaldi dry-farms 100% Nerello Mascalese at a dizzying 700 meters above sea level under strict biodynamic principles. The result is an ethereal, laser-precise red that rivals the region’s most coveted single-vineyard benchmarks.

Awarded 94 Points by James Suckling, this bottle proves Enna belongs in the upper echelon of Italian fine wine. Grippaldi manages every vine by hand and eschews oak entirely, opting for spontaneous fermentations and extended aging in concrete vats with native yeasts. This zero-oak approach preserves every drop of its high-elevation diurnal tension, delivering high-toned Burgundian weight and Nebbiolo-like structure without a splinter of wood masking its mountain terroir.

In the glass, it glows a luminous garnet, bursting with wild forest berries, damp earth, crushed rose petals, sweet pipe tobacco, and volcanic spice. On the medium-bodied palate, it glides effortlessly with vibrant red plum, cassis, and black currant, framed by crystalline tannins and soaring, mouthwatering acidity. It finishes with haunting aromatic persistence—a breathtaking display of raw, unadulterated Italian elegance that will leave you instantly hunting for another bottle. Molte Grazie!

Critical Acclaim:

94 Points, James Suckling: 

“Aromas of red cherries, pine, ash and ripe strawberries. Full-bodied with powdery yet firm tannins. A bit grippy, but very fine-grained. Smoky and spicy complexity on the palate is complimented by black and nicely ripened red fruit. Ash comes back at the savory finish. Fine-tuned intensity here. From biodynamically grown grapes. Best after 2025.”

Why You'll Love It

• Pioneer Terroir: Sourced from forgotten 700-meter-elevation vineyards in Enna, offering a rare, high-altitude perspective on Nerello Mascalese outside of Mount Etna.

• Zero Oak Purity: Fermented and aged entirely in concrete vats to preserve raw mountain tension, crystalline acidity, and transparent fruit flavor.

• Collector Cross-Over Appeal: Combines the perfumed lift of top-tier Côte de Nuits Pinot Noir with the fine-grained, mineral-slathered structure of traditional Barolo.

How To Serve It

• Temperature: Serve at 55∘F–60∘F (a light cellar chill highlights its soaring aromatics and bright red fruit).

• Glassware: A large Burgundy/Pinot Noir bowl to allow its complex floral, tobacco, and volcanic nuances to open up.

• Food Pairings: Outstanding alongside roast duck breast with cherry reduction, herb-crusted lamb chops, wild mushroom risotto, or Sicilian-style pork ragù.