2021 I Custodi 'Pistus' Etna Rosso

Elegant, lifted, perfumed red with notes of dark cherry, spice and liquorice. 'Pistus' from I Custodi is lightly pressed Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, from high up on the slopes of Mt. Etna. This wine can take a slight chill, but not fridge cold - it would dampen the particular dried herbal and floral notes of this wine. 

'The drive is steep to visit I Custodi - but well worth it. I do have quite the memory of reversing quite a large hire car (my fault for not organising the small one correctly, albeit my elderly parents were somewhat delighted we weren't crammed into a Fiat Panda) down a very long road to make way for 1 of the 2 owners of I Custodi's Tesla so he could make it to his golfing appointment at the local course just down the road on time.' - Miriam 

Do not let this discourage you. The other half of this operation is Salvo Foti. The original natural wine producer in Mt. Etna that changed the course of Sicilian wines and launched them onto the international fine wine stage. He is legendary, and so are these wines. Some of their parcels are ancient - and unearthed after half a milennia underneath volcanic ash. 

Where: Mt Etna, Sicily, Italy

When: 2021

What: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio 

How: We had this with some lamb chops and an anchovy olive butter. Cracking.