Azienda Calcagno 'Romice delle Sciare' Etna Rosato, Sicily, Italy

Bright wild strawberry and pomegranate aromas rise immediately from the glass, laced with a subtle volcanic smokiness that hints at its origin. The 2024 Calcaneus “Romice delle Sciare” Etna Rosato, Sicily, Italy, is the American-market name for a wine still produced by the historic Calcagno family estate, whose wines continue to appear under the Calcagno name in Europe. This dual naming reflects a legal adjustment rather than a change in ownership or production, preserving the identity of a sixth-generation family deeply committed to expressing Etna’s old vines and volcanic soils.

Product Details:

• Owners: Franco Calcagno, Gianni Calcagno
• Winemaker: Alessandro Bianco
• Agronomist: Gianni Calcagno
• Grapes: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio
• Classification: Etna Rosato DOC
• Farming: Organic
• Vine Age: 70 to 90 years
• Soil: Volcanic, mineral-rich lava soils
• Elevation: 650 meters
• Harvest Period: First half of October
• Vinification: Skin contact for several hours followed by temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel
• Aging: 5 months in stainless steel
• ABV: 13.5%
• Bottle Aging: Minimum 3 months

Sensory Description:

A pale copper-pink hue introduces a wine of clarity and lift. The nose is fragrant and precise, offering floral tones, red currant, wild strawberry, and pomegranate layered over a distinct mineral backbone shaped by volcanic soils. On the palate, it is vibrant and saline, with crisp acidity driving flavors of fresh red berries and subtle herbal nuances. A lightly smoky, stony character carries through the finish, reinforcing its Etna identity. The 2024 vintage leans into freshness and definition, highlighting the tension and elegance typical of high-altitude rosato from this terroir.

Awards & Accolades:

• Gold: Oscar del Vino Bibenda 2018; I Migliori 100 Vini Rosa d’Italia 2018
• Silver: Vinous 2018 91 Points
• Bronze: Vini Buoni d’Italia 2022 Vini da Non Perdere

Winemaker’s Background:

The Calcagno family, now in its sixth generation, is led by brothers Franco and Gianni Calcagno, who began bottling their own wines in 2006 after decades of selling fruit. Gianni oversees vineyard management with a focus on traditional farming and old-vine preservation, while Franco manages the business operations. Giusy Calcagno represents the next generation, contributing to hospitality and estate continuity. Winemaker Alessandro Bianco, who joined after experience with leading Etna producers, guides the cellar with a restrained, site-focused approach. Due to trademark conflicts in the United States, the family releases wines under the name Calcaneus in this market, while retaining Calcagno in Europe, ensuring continuity of identity across both labels.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve chilled at 10 to 12 degrees Celsius in a medium-sized white wine glass to emphasize its aromatic precision and mineral lift. This rosato pairs naturally with antipasti, fresh salads, seafood crudo, and simple pasta dishes, while its saline edge complements grilled vegetables and soft cheeses.