Tartaraci 2016 (RARE) by Vino Di Anna is a natural wine made in Sicily with Nerello Mascalese (and tiny quantities of Alicante) grapes.
Based on Mount Etna in Sicily, Vino di Anna is a small family domain (co-run by the owner of UK importer Les Caves de Pyrene).
This red wine made mostly from the local, powerful grape Nerello Mascalese is seriously impressive.
Taken from ungrafted vines around 70 years old, it's fermented in 1200L Georgian Qvevri, then aged in a combination of steel tanks and Qvevri for 22 months. Drinking beautifully now, but able to age longer.
A beautiful energy hits your palate on the first sip, and the tannins coat your mouth like a warm, comforting hug.
Twirls of tart cherry, stewed plum, wood ash, cardamon all mingle together alongside a fantastic minerality.
This is a top expression of Etna's Nerello Mascalese, and there are only around 800 bottles made.