Dried roses and spices with dried cherries and other flowers. Some honeysuckle. Medium to full body, with firm and polished tannins and a creamy texture and delicious finish. Drink now.
94 points, James Suckling (Aug 2023)
Sweet strawberries and cherries push back against warm, spicy notes of cinnamon, chili pepper and coffee grinds on the nose. The palate becomes more indulgent with macerated cherries and salted dark chocolate, contoured by sturdy tannins and substantial heat and acid.
93 points, Danielle Callegari, Wine Enthusiast (Oct 2023)
The 2019 Etna Rosso Fragore is dark and brooding in the glass, with dusty rose and earth tones slowly giving way to reveal crushed black cherries. While round and juicy on the palate, this possesses a core of tart wild berry fruits and mineral tones that slowly saturate and add a youthful tension toward the close. The 2019 finishes structured and long with a last primary concentration as violet inner florals gradually taper off.
92 points, Eric Guido, Vinous (Sep 2023)
Contrada Montelaguardia is located at 730m in Randazzo on Etna's north slope. The vines are over 70 years old and are vinified in steel before maturing for 16 months in used French oak barriques. The wine spends at least 18 months in bottle. Broader and juicier than Contrada Marchesa, it has a balsamic edge to the aromatic red and black cherries, yet remains tight, vertical and very fresh – at least partly thanks to the influence of the nearby woodland.
92 points, James Button, Decanter (May 2023)