Girolamo Russo is a true artisan. Born on Etna, he was a classically trained pianist and music teacher/theorist before returning to his family farm after his father died in 2003. His 15 hectares of vineyards, some of which date back 100 years, are in and around the town of Passopisciaro, on Mount Etna’s prized north slope. This wine contains 94% Nerello Mascalese and 6% Nerello Cappuccio aged in a mix of oak barrels and concrete tanks. 

The brambly fruit and smoky, mineral flavors of Nerello Mascalese (the dominant grape in Etna Rosso) will remind seasoned wine drinkers of fine red Burgundy; generally, Etna wines are medium to medium-plus in body, making them versatile companions for middleweight meals of roast chicken or pork. Brightly fruited and not aggressively tannic, there’s also that savory, earthy component to pair well with hearty lasagna or grilled sausages.