2007 Gulfi, Reseca, IGT Rosso, Sicily, Italy.
Gulfi’s Mount Etna Rosso comes from a tiny parcel called Vigna Poggio, in Monte La Guardia, within the commune of Randazzo located on the northern slope of Etna, and it’s crafted from only Nerello Mascalese grown on ancient lava terraces surrounded by a chestnut forrest. The north slopes see a great swing in day time to night time temps and make for very delicate wines with good acidity and charm, it’s one of the reasons Mount Etna wines are often compared to Burgundy, and while Gulfi is better known for their southern zone Nero d’Avola(s) that are more rich and almost full bodied in style, but both are wonderfully graceful and balanced, leaning more on traditional rather than modern. With the decade of age, the 2007 Reseca is remarkable fresh and vibrant in profile with silky tannins and wonderful depth and complex detail showing A range of spicy red fruits and surprising density. The mouthy feel is gorgeous, reminding you why they call Etna Nerello Mascalese the Burgundy of the Volcano with this Gulfi showing amazing touch with this grape, they farm to biodynamic principals and vinify with natural and traditional methods to highlight each wines terroir. Layers of red cherry, plum, raspberry and crisp red currant fruits form the core palate with dusty spices, anise, dried rose petals and a hint of earthy/leather. The wine is clean, lush and with excellent length, it’s flavors burst from the glass and it’s lovely ruby/garnet hue has no hint of age, this is elegant stuff, but with a sense of presence and substance in the bottle, certainly impressive and with plenty of years ahead of it. This Reseca, 100% Nerello Mascalese, got a long maceration on it’s skins and cool ferment in stainless vats then raised for almost a full 2 years in large French barrels (500L) making for a serious version of this varietal, allowing for potential 20 years of life or more here!
($29-39 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
