From: Sicily, Italy
Varietal: Nerello Mascalese
Critical Acclaim JS 94 James Suckling
At once fragrant and savory, with sour-cherry and redcurrant fruit, this generous and fresh Etna red has a solid base of healthy tannins that have just softened to the point where it gives a lot of pleasure. Interesting interplay of delicate coffee and mineral at the very satisfying finish. This has many years ahead of it. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
RP 93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Made with organic fruit, the Gulfi 2016 Etna Rosso Reseca is 100% Nerello Mascalese drawn from a 1.5-hectare vineyard located at a steep 800 meters above sea level on the blackened cone of the volcano. The wine delivers both power and grace, or the two contrasting qualities that define the great wines of Etna. This vintage reveals intact primary intensity and doesn't immediately show the age of this late-release Etna red. Indeed, the classic 2016 vintage is rather timeless in that way. That fresh fruit should carry this wine easily up to the 10-year mark and probably beyond. The wine is aged in large oak casks for two years, and 4,500 bottles were made.
Taste: The 2016 Gulfi Reseca Etna Rosso presents a vibrant ruby red color with hints of garnet as it swirls in the glass. The nose is both fragrant and savory, revealing a complex bouquet of sour cherry, redcurrant, and delicate rose petals, interwoven with subtle notes of coffee, earth, and smoky minerality.
On the palate, this Etna red is generous and fresh, showcasing the wine's power and grace. The lively acidity is balanced by a solid base of velvety tannins that have softened just enough to deliver immense pleasure. The wine's core of red fruit flavors is complemented by intriguing nuances of wild herbs, leather, and sweet tobacco. The finish is long and satisfying, with lingering notes of espresso, minerals, and a touch of Mediterranean spice.
Pairing: The 2016 Gulfi Reseca Etna Rosso's harmonious balance of power and elegance makes it a versatile companion for various dishes. It pairs particularly well with roasted or grilled meats, such as beef, lamb, or pork. Its vibrant acidity and savory notes also make it a suitable match for rich tomato-based pasta dishes or hearty mushroom risottos.
To honor its Sicilian origins, pair the Reseca Etna Rosso with traditional Sicilian fare. Consider dishes like Caponata, a sweet and sour eggplant dish, or Pasta alla Norma, a classic pasta dish featuring eggplant, tomatoes, and ricotta salata. The wine's vibrant acidity and tannins will cut through the richness of these dishes while complementing the Mediterranean flavors.
Rice balls known as arancini are a popular Sicilian street food and snack food. In fact, these fried rice treats are such a popular street food found throughout Italy, though the regional variations are distinct depending on where you are. Arancini originated in Sicily and can be filled with everything from ground meat such as lamb, beef, or pork, or even prosciutto, and veggies like peas and onions. But, the one ingredients most have in common is cheese which helps to bind the rice together along with a touch of tomato sauce in the center. We’re sharing a recipe inspired by Sicilian Arancini below!
For vegetarian options, the 2016 Gulfi Reseca Etna Rosso's bright acidity and savory notes lend themselves well to vegetable-centric dishes. Grilled or roasted vegetables like eggplant, bell peppers, or zucchini drizzled with olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt would be an excellent match. Additionally, the wine's earthy undertones make it a fitting partner for dishes featuring mushrooms, such as a mushroom and goat cheese tart or a hearty lentil and mushroom stew.
Chorizo Boudin Balls
Recipe from Brian Landry
Adapted by Suzanne Lenzer
About. The Gulfi Reseca Etna Rosso 2016 is a remarkable example of the extraordinary wines produced on the slopes of Mount Etna, Europe's tallest active volcano. This volcanic treasure has garnered high praise and critical acclaim, earning a 94 from James Suckling and a 93 from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate. Made from 100% Nerello Mascalese grapes grown on a 1.5-hectare vineyard at a steep 800 meters above sea level, the Reseca showcases both power and grace, two contrasting qualities that define the great wines of Etna.
The 2016 vintage reveals intact primary intensity and doesn't immediately show the age of this late-release Etna red. Thanks to the freshness of the fruit, it's expected to age gracefully up to the 10-year mark and beyond. Aged in large oak casks for two years, only 4,500 bottles of this exquisite wine were produced.
Gulfi’s winery, located in the heart of Eastern Sicily, is dedicated to the cultivation of Nero d’Avola, a native grape variety. The winery has selected the oldest and best-known localities in Pachino for their "crus," each with its own distinct organoleptic nuances.
The Reseca is a true expression of the volcanic terroir of Etna, drawing strength from the primordial volcanic earth and the indigenous Nerello Mascalese vine, cultivated in the ancient "alberello" style. This winemaking tradition dates back over 2,000 years to Roman times and results in low-production vines that allow Gulfi's wines to achieve great complexity and finesse.
In keeping with their commitment to naturalness, Gulfi employs biodynamic and organic vineyard practices, coupled with non-invasive methods of vinification, to express their greatest responsibility: safeguarding the land and continuing to make wine that respects the environment.
The winery, harmoniously integrated into the landscape from 2007-2011, combines modern winemaking techniques with traditional vineyard practices. The state-of-the-art facility ensures that the fruit is protected against oxidation and that temperature-controlled fermentations are executed, preserving freshness in the finished wines.
Gulfi's dedication to producing indigenous wines reflective of Sicily results in extraordinarily delicious, bright, fresh, and honest wines that express the style of the winemaker. The Gulfi Reseca Etna Rosso 2016 is no exception, offering an unparalleled drinking experience that overdelivers for its price point. As Annette Peters, Partner & Portfolio Director at Bourget Imports, eloquently puts it, these wines are "unquestionably overdelivering for their price point."
