Lots of pumice, smoke, dried meat and dried cherry aromas that follow through to a full body with lively acidity and chewy tannins. Tight, still needs two or three years to open. Made from ancient vines: 80- to 100-years-old. Try after 2028.
97 points, James Suckling (Aug 2023)
Barbagalli is the most picturesque vineyard I've come across on Etna. Located at 900m in Contrada Rampante on Etna's northern flank, it's a tiny amphitheatre of ancient Nerello Mascalese on fine, dark volcanic soil cohabiting with colourful wildflowers and dotted with olive, fig and cherry trees. Vinified in conical cement tanks, it's then matured in French oak tonneaux (about 10% new) for 20 months. Its incredible perfume of wild red fruits, potpourri and violet, earth, black pepper and a dusty library character from the wood introduces a charming wine full of fleshy and succulent pomegranate and orange peel, followed by some cigar tobacco complexity. Well structured but so generous despite the difficult vintage which saw high humidity and rain at harvest time. 2,000 bottles produced. A top recommendation.
97 points, James Button, Decanter (May 2023)
Enticingly fragrant, this gorgeous red offers tantalizing aromas of blue flower, crushed mint, wild berry and wet stone. The elegant, vibrant palate boasts finesse and racy tension, featuring ripe Marasca cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and tangy flinty notes set against lithe, polished tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced and along with the mineral notes keeps it energized. Drink through 2028.
96 points, Kerin O'Keefe, Wine Enthusiast (Dec 2021)
Michele Faro's top-shelf red is the Pietradolce 2018 Etna Rosso Barbagalli, with fruit from a stunning amphitheater of twisted, ancient vines, each with its own distinct form and shape. This vineyard is a sight to see, and I highly recommend a visit to this special place. In the summer, ashy volcano soils feel like fine powder. Black lava stone walls trace the perimeter of this little cru. This vintage is tart and fresh with lots of sour cherry and hints of wild herb that vividly recall the wild fennel that grows in the spring. You might also get caper flower, candied orange and violet. The 2018 vintage had some challenges in terms of rain and summer heat, but these old vines have the deep roots and bulk to withstand changing weather patterns. Only 2,500 bottles were made from this site.
95 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jun 2023)
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