Alta Mora 2022 Etna Rosso

The Alta Mora 2022 Etna Rosso is a vibrant, terroir-driven Sicilian red that captures the unique character of Mount Etna’s volcanic slopes. Elegant and aromatic rather than heavy, it delivers bright red berry fruit, citrus-tinged freshness, and mineral complexity framed by refined tannins. Made entirely from Nerello Mascalese, it offers a style often compared to fine Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo—expressive, structured, and unmistakably shaped by Etna’s volcanic soils.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Alta Mora is the Etna estate project of the Cusumano family, one of Sicily’s most respected modern wine producers. The vineyards lie on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, where high elevations and lava-rich soils produce some of Italy’s most distinctive wines.

• Appellation
  • Etna Rosso DOC, Sicily, Italy
• Terroir
  • Vineyards sit on volcanic soils composed of decomposed lava, ash, and sand, contributing the wine’s signature mineral tension and lifted aromatics.
• Grape Variety
  • 100% Nerello Mascalese, the noble indigenous red grape of Etna known for producing pale-colored but structured wines with vibrant acidity.
• Viticulture
  • High-altitude vineyards—often among the highest in Europe—allow cooler growing conditions that preserve acidity and aromatic finesse.
• Winemaking
  • Fermented and aged primarily in stainless steel and neutral vessels to emphasize purity of fruit and volcanic minerality.

This careful approach allows the wine to showcase the distinctive personality of Etna’s volcanic terroir.

Critics Reviews

Professional critics have praised the 2022 vintage:

• Kerin O’Keefe – 93 Points
  Describing aromas of Mediterranean herbs, violet, and forest berries with flavors of cherry, raspberry, and orange peel supported by fine-grained tannins.
• Vinous (Eric Guido) – 92 Points
  Highlighting notes of blood orange, rosemary, and wild strawberry with lively tension and autumnal spice complexity.
• Falstaff – 92 Points
  Praising its raspberry fruit, clove spice, lively acidity, and saline mineral finish.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Wild strawberry, red cherry, blood orange, Mediterranean herbs, and subtle volcanic minerality.

Palate:
Elegant and vibrant with flavors of raspberry, cranberry, orange peel, and savory spice supported by lively acidity.

Finish:
Long and mineral-driven with fine tannins, red fruit, and a subtle saline edge.

Quick Overview

Recommended Service

Decanting:
Optional; 20–30 minutes enhances aromatic complexity.

Serving Temperature:
55–60°F (13–16°C)

Food Pairings:
Grilled lamb, mushroom risotto, roasted pork, charcuterie, or aged Pecorino cheese.