Description

Both Calogero and Rita Statella are born and raised on Etna, so they have grown up in the land of the lava ash and black soils. Although Calogero has been the winemaker in the cantina at the region’s revered and groundbreaking Tenuta delle Terre Nere since 2008, their dream has always been to purchase a small plot of land for his own-family-vineyard.  Pignatuni is the result.  

Calogero’s first Statella wines were produced in 2016 and he has been a rising star ever since.  Renee and I actually walked through this contrada’s gnarly vineyard of old bush vines in the Spring of 2019 and were captivated by softball size black volcanic tufts that littered the area.

95% Nerello Mascalese, 5% other native white and red grapes organically grown in volcanic ash and fist size rocks at 670 meters in altitude.  Fermentation/maceration lasts 10-15 days.  The wine ages in second and third used French oak tonneau for 10 months before bottling. 400 cases produced.  14% alcohol.

MOST of the best Etna Rosso are now fetching at least +$80 a bottle.  This wine shows great clarity, precision and purity.  Like all great Etna Rosso, pay attention and you will sense “Idda” (Sicilian dialect for “SHE” as the volcano is known) talking to you her balsamic fruit and gentle nuances of spicy ash-saline complexity, and bright acidity.

“With fruit from ancient vines, the Famiglia Statella 2019 Etna Rosso Pignatuni offers medium-rich concentration and presents a detailed bouquet with cassis, grilled herb, lavender and white pepper. The wine offers ample dimension and energy with a polished, linear style. This wine hits it out of the ballpark.

Here is another new discovery from Etna that I highly recommend. This winery was founded in 2018 by Calogero Statella and his wife Rita. The couple acquired their first vines in 2016 in Contrada Pettinociarelle (in the village of Castiglione di Sicilia) and made a wine that year. But it wasn’t until two years later when they purchased a parcel with old vines that their winemaking dreams came true. They make four wines: two reds from estate vines, one rosé and a white wine with organic grapes from the nearby village of Randazzo. I remain extremely excited by this group of wines.” – 95 points, Wine Advocate (Monica Larner).