2021 I Custodi, Etna Rosso ‘Pistus’, Sicily, Italy

From its beginning in 2007, local owner Mario Paoluzi set the groundwork to make I Custodi an Etna fuoriclasse, as the Italians say, one of the greats. Besides sending us many cell phone pics of when A Muntagna is erupting, he has had unwavering passion to work exclusively with the ancient albarello bush vines, some of which are 150+ years old. I Custodis cellar master is long-time Etna guru Salvo Foti, and his touch is one of a bianchista (white wine lover) prizing elegance, tension, and keeping the pristine volcanic spice found in these wines. Mario and Salvo have decided to release both red and whites only after extended elevage; its another sign of the dedication of this winery to natural and fine wines, a shared mantra also of PortoVino. Pistus is primarily the younger vines that dont make it into the Aetneus bottling.

REGION: Sicilia GROWING

AREA: Etna FARMING:

Certified organic by Suolo e Salute # IT-BIO-004

VINEYARD: 4.4 Ha in Contrada Muganazzi

ALTITUDE: 650 m / 2,133 ft

SOILS: Sandy and volcanic

VARIETIES: 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nerello Cappuccio.