B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More
As consulting enologist with multiple 100 pt. scores to his credit, Italy’s Carlo Ferrini knows a thing or two about crafting exceptional wine, his own top-rated Brunellos described as “Montalcino’s best-kept secret” by the Wine Spectator’s Robert Camuto. Setting his sights on Sicily’s Mount Etna, these small production selections from Ferrini’s Podere Giodo hit the mark, crafted from old vines ranging up to 100 years of age to deliver exceptional depth reflecting their rich volcanic origins, two enticing wines for Mount Etna aficionados and a perfect introduction for anyone looking to explore the region’s best.
After a decade of consulting with some of Sicily’s most renowned estates including Tasca D’Almerita, Pietradolce and Le Casematte , winemaker Carlo Ferrini purchased some small parcels on the north-facing terraced black lava slopes of Etna, planted with extraordinary low yielding, pre-phylloxera Nerello Mascalese vines averaging 80-100 years along with a small parcel of the indigenous white Carricante, the vines “a mere” 50 years of age. Trained to the traditional low-bush goblet method (called “albarello” in Italian meaning “little tree”), the parcels are located at high altitudes from 800 to 950 meters, above the official limits of the Etna DOC (widely considered to have been drawn too low) and classified under the Sicilia denomination. Boasting lush aromatics evocative of citrus and wild herbs, the zesty 95 pt. 2021 Sicilia Carricante is an exceptional follow up to Giodo’s inaugural white Etna release in 2020 described by the Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner as “proof that some of the most interesting wines from Etna today are the whites.” Producing only 2,500 bottles from less than a half hectare plot, Carlo aged the enticing 2021 Sicilia Carricante for about 6 months in stainless steel tanks on the lees with 10 months longer in bottle, yielding fresh energetic fruit with distinct nuances of flinty crushed stone on a mouthwatering finish. Sourced from a 1.5-hectare parcel and fermented in stainless steel, Carlo aged the 2019 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese in large oak casks for 18 months with additional time in concrete and another 12 months in bottle, yielding layered fragrant fruit and balanced acidity with a long-lasting finish. Reminiscent of a meticulously crafted Pinot Noir, the elegant 96 pt. 2019 Sicilia Nerello Mascalese boasts bright fresh red fruit hinting of spice and elegant minerality, the old vine fruit yielding a powerfully concentrated red that’s ready to enjoy now “but will be great in a few years” according to critic James Suckling, available in both 750 ml. and cellar worthy magnums for collectors of Italian wines to enjoy for the next decade.
Expertly crafted to showcase their unique volcanic terroir, these exceptional top-rated Giodo Alberelli di Giodo selections from superstar winemaker Carlo Ferrini are equally intriguing for fans of Sicilian wines already familiar with Etna’s alluring appeal and any Italian wine lover wanting to explore the region’s best, now a terrific opportunity to mix a case at value pricing. | 
Top Quality Store
