2020 Contrada Rampante

100% Nerello Mascalese from 100-year-old vines grown in Contrada Rampante at 1,000 m above sea level. Lustrous mid ruby. Captivating, complex nose of crushed raspberry with dark, burnished soil, iron and cardamom hints. Full yet with a linear spine of acidity and tannins so fine they feel like they have been pounded in a mortar. On the finish, gorgeous, elegant palate weight. The wired acidity and powdery tannins melt into the finish (WS)

With fruit from the Contrada Rampante in Castiglione di Sicilia at 1,000 meters above sea level, the 2020 Contrada R shows some bitter cherry and brambly aromas of Mediterranean herb. Notes of volcanic ash meet fine, dusty tannins. This is one of the more approachable wines in this series of single-vineyard Nerello Mascalese releases. Production from 100-year-old vines is limited to 3,984 bottles.

The 2020 Contrada Rampante (R) is youthfully inward and understated, showing hints of savory, curry-like spice, dried strawberries and tomato leaf. It’s silky in texture and lifted in feel, with saline-mineral tones up front that give way to inner rose and tart berry fruit. The 2020 finishes structured and dry, yet also a bit short, as the slightest hint of hard red candies fades. Only time will tell if the 2020 Rampante will ever awaken from this slightly awkward state. I tasted this from two separate bottles with similar results.