Acclaim

“Lightly mouthwatering and enticing, layering creamy tannins with crushed cherry and tar flavors, plus accents of tea rose, orange zest and clove. Harmonious, with a lingering, spiced finish. Drink now through 2030. 2,000 cases made, 900 cases imported.” -Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator, Jan. 2025

“In the bottle with the black label, the Pietradolce 2020 Etna Rosso Barbagalli represents Michele Faro’s top wine with a small production of 2,000 bottles. Winemaking is a little different from the others in one respect: this wine spends 20 months in French oak instead of 14 (like the other contrada wines). Barbagalli is defined by its site, and if you’ve had the good fortune of visiting this vineyard, I guarantee that you will never forget it. A tiny amphitheater of ancient, knotted, own-rooted vines exist—against all odds—in a lunar landscape. It sits at 900 meters in elevation and is under one hectare in size. You have the threat of the volcano, the incredible luminosity of white light against a black background (with enough contrasts to give you a headache) and ashy soils that are so fine they stick to your humid skin like a coat of paint.

Barbagalli does indeed boast special complexity with dark fruit, crème de cassis and volcanic notes. What stands out in this vintage are hints of balsam or medicinal herb that add extra lift and verticality to the bouquet. That said, I feel like 2020 is a little more accessible and softer in character compared to some of the wines I tasted from 2021.” -Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Apr. 2025

“The Pietradolce 2021 Etna Rosso Archineri is made with fruit from own-rooted ancient vines on the north side of Etna in a spot with especially powdery volcanic ash. This vintage delivers a very focused quality of fruit that appears especially fresh with a point of acidity to close. There is tart cherry and cassis with hints of rose and blue flower. It fermented in cement and aged in large oak casks for 14 months. Pietradolce boasts highly functional and technological wines in which no expense is spared. The 2021s from this facility are super precise. This is a 7,000-bottle release.” -Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Apr. 2025

“Dark and intense, the 2020 Carignano del Sulcis Terre Brune is a brooding effort, with ashen stone, cedar shavings, tobacco and dried blueberry forming its bouquet. This is velvety in texture with cool-toned acidity to balance. Edgy tannins resonate through the dramatically long and structured finale, while mentholated herbal tones add freshness. Patience will be required but also rewarded.: -Eric Guido, Vinous, Apr. 2025

” This Morellino delivers an alluringly umami salinity on the nose, before the palate bursts with fresh crunchy cherries and a little salted dark chocolate with a candied orange peel. It is a delight at any temperature but I think with a chill on the bottle and the sun on your face on a warm autumn afternoon it would be the ideal.” -D.C. Wine Enthusiast, Apr. 2025

“Dark and brooding, the 2022 Lu Nieddu grumbles with an earthy blend of flowery underbrush, tobacco and dried black cherries. It displays silken textures and ripe wild berry fruits, complicated by a savory herbal thrust toward the close. The 2022 leaves a sour citrus tinge that adds tension, further complicated by edgy tannins under an air of violet and lavender inner florals. Lu Nieddu is a unique and enticing blend of Caricagiola, Pascale, Cannonau, Dolcetto, Barbera and Cabernet Franc. Unique and enticing.” – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, Apr. 2025