Azienda Calcagno 'Calcaneus' Etna Rosso Red Blend, Sicily, Italy

High above the Sicilian coastline, where clouds drift across the fiery slopes of Mount Etna, the 2022 Calcaneus Etna Rosso takes shape, a wine forged by volcanic soil, ocean air, and ancestral hands. Born entirely from organically farmed Nerello Mascalese vines aged up to 90 years, this luminous ruby-red expression channels the mountain’s intensity into something both profound and graceful. Each sip carries the hum of Etna’s living earth, its energy, its silence, and its slow, eternal heat.

Product Details:

• Grape Variety: 100% Nerello Mascalese
• Alcohol: 13.5% ABV
• Farming: Certified Organic
• Soil: Deep volcanic ash and lava rock
• Elevation: 700–1,000 meters above sea level
• Fermentation: Native yeasts, temperature-controlled stainless steel
• Aging: 6 months in stainless steel, 3+ months in bottle before release
• Vine Age: 70–90 years

Sensory Description:

The 2022 Calcaneus Etna Rosso opens with expressive aromas of wild cherries, black plums, and crushed red berries layered with smoky mineral notes and whispers of dried herbs. On the palate, it is both vibrant and grounded, a harmonious balance of freshness, depth, and structure. The tannins are firm yet refined, supporting flavors of ripe cherry, plum skin, and lava stone through a long, elegant finish that hums with volcanic minerality.

Awards & Accolades:

• 91 Points, Falstaff Magazine – “Elegant and harmonious, with a finely woven tannic texture and a lingering mineral finish.”

Winemaker's Background:

The Calcagno family, now led by brothers Franco and Gianni along with Gianni’s daughter Giusy, has farmed on Etna’s northern slopes for six generations. In 2006, they began bottling under their own label, crafting wines that reflect both heritage and the raw vitality of the volcano. With organic farming, minimal intervention, and a deep respect for their land, the family continues to honor their roots while letting Etna’s untamed spirit shine through every vintage.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve slightly below room temperature at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in a large Burgundy glass to reveal its aromatic depth. This wine pairs beautifully with Sicilian classics like pasta alla Norma, grilled lamb chops, or aged pecorino cheese. Its minerality also makes it a stunning companion to roasted vegetables and mushroom risotto.

Bold yet graceful, the 2022 Calcaneus Etna Rosso is a vivid expression of volcanic viticulture, a testament to how nature’s extremes can yield wines of extraordinary balance and soul.