Region: Etna Rosso DOC, Sicily, Italy

Varietal: 100% Nerello Mascalese

Producer: Monteleone is part of the small but mighty group of producers helping define Etna as one of the most thrilling wine regions on the planet. Farming on the northern slopes of Mount Etna—an active volcano with a mind of its own—the estate embraces the idea that great wine isn’t controlled so much as negotiated. “Rumex,” named after a wild herb that thrives in volcanic soils, is a pure expression of place and variety, showcasing Nerello Mascalese in its most transparent, mountain-grown form. For drinkers who love elegance, tension, and wines that feel alive, Etna Rosso has become essential reading—and Monteleone is a chapter worth lingering over.

Vineyard & Winemaking: “Rumex” is sourced from high-elevation vineyards rooted in Etna’s famously dark, volcanic soils—layers of ash, lava, and fractured rock that naturally curb vigor and amplify minerality. The vines experience wide diurnal swings, preserving acidity while allowing slow, even ripening. Farming is thoughtful and hands-on, with harvest done by hand and fermentations carried out using native yeasts. Aging takes place in neutral vessels, intentionally avoiding oak influence so the purity of Nerello Mascalese and the unmistakable voice of Etna remain front and center. Nothing flashy, nothing forced—just the mountain, translated.

Tasting Notes: The 2020 Etna Rosso “Rumex” is all lift, line, and volcanic attitude. Aromas of red cherry, blood orange, dried rose, and smoky ash lead into a palate that’s sleek and energetic, with bright acidity and fine, dusty tannins giving it shape and momentum. There’s a savory, mineral undercurrent that hums through the wine, finishing long and quietly dramatic. Think Pinot meets Nebbiolo, raised on lava. It’s fantastic with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or tomato-driven dishes, and it’s drinking beautifully now with the structure to age gracefully for five to eight years.