Unfiltered Wine Club, August 2024

"We’re circling back to Italy now, but this time to the largest wine region in the country (Piedmont being second largest), Sicily! The Auynta wines come from the northern slope of Mt. Etna, and the grapes are sourced from high-altitude vineyards that lay over volcanic soils. Volcanic soil tends to lend wines an inherent tension that is unlike anything else; it’s like an electric backbone. Where this wine is only medium in body, its profile has loads of stewy, deep red berries and cherries, and layers of smoke, ash, leather, and stone (again, thank you volcanic soil!), and after some air I got hints of mint and roses as well. I      recommend letting this wine breathe a bit; I wouldn’t go as far as to decant it, but be   patient with its growth in the glass - it’s worth the wait. Nerello Mascalese is an excellent alternative to Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Pais, as it’s fruity with softer tannins and earthy undertones, making the food-pairing capabilities incredibly flexible. Like Pinot Noir, Nerello Mascalese loves mushrooms and risottos, roasted white meat and fish, and of course CHEESE! Personally I liked this wine better with a slight chill, but it certainly didn’t need it."