Vinupetra Rosso, I Vigneri di Salvo Foti - 2024

A gorgeous representative of the terroir of Etna, the 2015 Vinupetra from the Godfather of Eastern Sicily, Salvo Foti, is approachable now and will continue to develop for years. This is the rare breed of red wine that delivers a seamless balance of earth and fruit, texture, drive and elegance delivered in a decidedly medium-bodied package. Aromas are a lovely meld of fresh roses, hot stones, wild red and blueberries, prune and a hit of ashy/smokiness. On the palate you'll encounter a burst of berry fruit on the attack followed by a taut and incredibly energetic midpalate. The wine practically stands up and dances on the palate yet never collapses and thrusts forward to a firmly etched finish of mineral, prune and black cherry and fine-grained tannins. The intensity here manages to be simultaneously electric and graceful. Don't miss it.