Montedolce Etna Rosso Roccia Nera 2018

Montedolce Etna Rosso Roccia Nera 2018 is a characterful Sicilian red that captures the volcanic soul of Mount Etna in the glass. Crafted from indigenous Etna grapes, this wine combines finesse and energy with a distinctly mineral edge. The name “Roccia Nera” – black rock – nods to the lava-rich soils that shape its refined yet powerful personality, and to the ancient winemaking traditions of this remarkable region.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Roccia Nera shows a luminous ruby hue with garnet reflections at the rim, typical of the high-altitude reds of Etna. The nose is lifted and expressive, with aromas of wild red berries, sour cherry, pomegranate and blood orange, interwoven with notes of dried rose petals, Mediterranean herbs, white pepper and a distinctive smoky, volcanic minerality. On the palate, this Etna Rosso is elegant and medium-bodied, driven by vibrant acidity and finely etched tannins. Flavors of red currant, cherry and raspberry are layered with hints of licorice, forest floor, flint and subtle spice, leading to a long, savory finish that feels both taut and graceful. The 2018 vintage is already beautifully approachable but has the structure and freshness to develop further complexity over the next 6–8 years, gaining more earthy and tertiary nuances with time in bottle.

Production
Azienda Agricola Montedolce sources grapes from vineyards on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, where vines grow in poor, well-drained volcanic soils rich in basalt and ash. These high-altitude sites enjoy warm days, cool nights and constant breezes, ideal for slow, even ripening and preserving natural acidity. The grapes, primarily Nerello Mascalese with a touch of Nerello Cappuccio, are typically harvested by hand to allow careful selection of bunches in the steep, terrace-planted parcels. Fermentation usually takes place in temperature-controlled vessels, with a gentle maceration to extract fine tannins and aromatic complexity rather than heavy concentration. The wine is then aged – often in a mix of neutral oak and/or large older barrels – to polish structure and integrate flavors while preserving the bright, volcanic purity that defines Etna Rosso.

Food & Serving
Montedolce Etna Rosso Roccia Nera 2018 is a versatile food wine that shines alongside grilled lamb chops, roast pork with herbs, mushroom risotto, game birds, charcuterie and aged or semi-firm cheeses like Pecorino or Ragusa. It also pairs beautifully with tomato-based pasta dishes, wood-fired pizza and rustic Mediterranean cuisine featuring roasted vegetables and olive oil. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in a Burgundy or large Pinot Noir-style glass. A short decant of 30–45 minutes helps the wine open up its floral and mineral layers, though it can also be enjoyed immediately after pulling the cork with a bit of time in the glass.

Producer
Azienda Agricola Montedolce is a quality-focused estate rooted on the slopes of Mount Etna, Italy’s most iconic active volcano and one of the country’s most exciting wine regions. Working with indigenous varieties such as Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, the winery aims to express the tension, elegance and minerality that have made Etna Rosso wines increasingly sought after by enthusiasts and sommeliers around the world. Montedolce’s commitment to attentive vineyard work and thoughtful, terroir-driven winemaking has helped highlight the unique personality of Etna’s high-altitude vineyards and contributed to Sicily’s rising status as a source of some of Italy’s most distinctive and ageworthy reds.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.