Grottafumata Nerello Mascalese "Lato Sud" Rosso

This was very austere and reticent the first night, such that I detected no standout characteristics at all. After a night in half bottle, I can now detect dark berry jam and toast on the nose, with a similar fruit profile on the palate. Still very dry, quite tannic, and has good acidity. I have found that these volcanic Etna wines can be very stern indeed but this one is even more so than others I've had. There might be …

Second bottle of three that was flawed and oxidized

Beautifully made. In the lighter style for NM and it may take a more refined palate than mine to get at the complexity here.

Lighter style with less complexity and intensity than other Etna Rossos.

Transparent light crimson. Nose initially reductive, then some red berries with more than a hint of earthy wildness. Palate light bodied, pronounced mineral iron streak, with time more of a red fruit depth. Very drinkable.

Tasted over 2 hrs -nearly semi-translucent light med red -muted dark red fruit with a sulfur-ish funk and a faint herbal note -stealth entry with little acid profile initially but then med acidity peeks in at the finish, med- weight focused subtle lavastone-inflected bitter cherry that leaves a haunting residue on the rather long finish, med volcanic tannins -rather reserved at this stage though starts to emerge after a couple hours, quite good with a pleasant focused volcanic cherriness

corked

Good complexity after breathing. Mild cranberry and berry with slight cocoa and balanced acidity. Not overpowering. Low alcohol.

Coravin. Light ruby; aromatic, smoky, wild red berries, some minerals; palate is light bodied, medium tannins, medium-plus acidity, low alcohol (12%), great primary red fruit with strawberry and raspberry; finish is medium-minus. A refreshing and characterful red, showing all the classic character of Nerello Mascalese, excellent balance and only lacking a bit in complexity and length. A lovely food wine. 88

Light ruby color. Intense aromatics, showing exotic red fruit aromas with citrus highlights, with alluring root & eastern spices, bright pressed red florals and turned damp soil. Snappy and succulent palate, with apple skin, wild berry fruit and subtle secondary depth of hibiscus bloom and light spices. Lighter in body, gaining flesh in the middle over a firm mineral core. Lively acidity, with fleshy dense tannins and a dry juicy finish. Good stuff.

Not a detailed note, but this was a lovely light delicious wine with dry salty tannic fruit, aromas of dry heath and purple flowers, intense tannic acid finish. Special and interesting only if you don’t take it too seriously.