Tasca d'Almerita
Etna Rosso Contrada Pianodario 2020
| Denomination | DOC Etna Rosso |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.5% by volume |
| Area | Sicily (Italy) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Nerello Mascalese |
| Aging | Aged for 12 months in large Slavonian oak casks (25 hectolitres). |
- Origin: Etna Rosso DOC from Nerello Mascalese grapes, produced on the northern slopes of Etna
- Soil: Vineyards at 775m across 99 terraces with volcanic ash and obsidian soils
- Maturation: Aged for 12 months in large oak casks after fermentation in stainless steel
- Aromas: Notes of wild strawberry, cherry, violet and rose, with a distinct smoky minerality
- Awards and pairings: 94 pts Wine Spectator, 93 pts Suckling; for game and cheeses
Description
Wine style
The Tenuta Tascante Etna Rosso Contrada Pianodario by Tasca d'Almerita is a still Sicilian red wine that clearly expresses the identity of Nerello Mascalese. Belonging to the prestigious Etna Rosso appellation, it stands out for its vertical and austere character, with a palate dominated by fine, silky tannins and a vibrant acidity. The aromatic profile intertwines hints of red fruits, floral notes of violet and rose, and a deep smoky minerality. The vinification involves fermentation in stainless steel and subsequent ageing in large oak barrels, preserving the finesse and structural complexity of the grape variety.
Origin
This wine is born in Sicily, on the northern slope of Mount Etna, specifically within the renowned Contrada Pianodario in the municipality of Randazzo. The vineyard extends to approximately 775 metres above sea level and is divided into 99 small terraces, characterised by soils rich in volcanic ash and pure obsidian. The local climatic conditions benefit from strong ventilation and wide temperature ranges, factors that lead to slow ripening and give the bunches a savoury character and well-balanced acidity.
How it is produced
The production process begins with a late harvest, carried out around the first days of November to accommodate the slow ripening of the grapes at altitude. Once in the cellar, the must undergoes fermentation in stainless steel, which allows for the extraction and preservation of varietal aromas. Subsequently, the wine is transferred for maturation in large Slavonian oak barrels, where it rests for 12 months, completing its refinement and acquiring further stability and elegance.
History and interesting facts
The Tasca d'Almerita 2020 Tenuta Tascante Etna Rosso Contrada Pianodario boasts unique historical characteristics. It comes to life on the northern slope of the volcano from an evocative vineyard at 775 metres above sea level, incredibly divided into 99 small terraces. Its volcanic soil is enriched by a fascinating detail: pure obsidian. The high altitude slows down the ripening of the grapes, requiring a rare late harvest in November. Celebrated by critics, it is described as the most austere and vertical among the Contrada wines, honouring the historic family vocation.
Awards
-
2020
94/100
Decanter is a wine and lifestyle magazine, published monthly in around 90 countries. The magazine includes industry news, classic guides and advice on wine and spirits.
-
2020
93/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
-
2020
93/100
The prestigious international wine guide from the renowned Robert Parker, the world's most experienced and trusted wine taster.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
°C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
- Start up year: 1830
- Oenologist: Laura Orsi
- Hectares: 697
The Tasca family is internationally recognized for its pioneering role in modern Sicilian winemaking. Since 2001, Tasca d’Almerita has pursued a project focused on enhancing native grape varieties in the island’s most vocated territories. Alongside Regaleali—the historic estate spanning approximately 500 hectares—new estates have been added: Capofaro on the island of Salina, Tascante on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, Whitaker on the island of Mozia, and Sallier de La Tour in the Monreale DOC.
In 2019, Tasca d’Almerita was named "European Winery of the Year" by Wine Enthusiast magazine. In 2021, it became one of only 24 wineries worldwide to be awarded the prestigious "Green Emblem" for sustainability by Robert Parker – Wine Advocate. Since March 2023, already a Benefit Corporation, it has earned the esteemed international B Corp certification, joining a select group of companies committed to the highest standards of social and environmental sustainability. In 2025, Tasca d’Almerita received the "Historic Brand" recognition and was officially registered in the Special Register of Historic Brands of National Interest by the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. Read more
| Name | Tenuta Tascante Etna Rosso Contrada Pianodario 2020 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red still |
| Denomination | Etna DOC |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Nerello Mascalese |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Vendor | Tasca d'Almerita |
| Story | History and interesting facts The Tasca d'Almerita 2020 Tenuta Tascante Etna Rosso Contrada Pianodario boasts unique historical characteristics. It comes to life on the northern slope of the volcano from an evocative vineyard at 775 metres above sea level, incredibly divided into 99 small terraces. Its volcanic soil is enriched by a fascinating detail: pure obsidian. The high altitude slows down the ripening of the grapes, requiring a rare late harvest in November. Celebrated by critics, it is described as the most austere and vertical among the Contrada wines, honouring the historic family vocation. |
| Origin | North slope of Mount Etna, Pianodario district, Randazzo (Catania), Sicily, Italy |
| Soil composition | Volcanic ash soils, with the presence of obsidian |
| Harvest | Late harvest, around the beginning of November. |
| Production technique | Fermentation in stainless steel; ageing for 12 months in large Slavonian oak barrels (25 hectolitres) |
| Wine making | Fermentation in stainless steel; ageing for 12 months in large Slavonian oak barrels (25 hl). |
| Aging | Aged for 12 months in large Slavonian oak casks (25 hectolitres). |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |