2012 Vigna Barbagalli

When grapevines die and go to heaven, they wake-up in Pietradolce's Barbagalli vineyard. I have only ever seen a handful of vineyards as beautiful as this spectacular terrestrial handshake between man and volcano. The 2012 Etna Rosso Vigna Barbagalli faithfully reflects the esthetic grandeur of this amphitheater of pre-phylloxera vines planted 900 meters up Etna's blackened slope. On average, these knotted plants are more than 100-years-old. The wine opens to amazing intensity and purity with an enormous sense of integrity and balance. Dark berry fruit segues slowly to spice, leather, balsam herb and crushed mineral as the wine evolves in the glass. The wine's finish is long and determined. Vigna Barbagalli is a revelation if you are looking for a reason to fall in love with Etna.