This 98-Point White is the Most Highly Rated Etna Bianco Ever!

Over the past twelve years, James Suckling and his team have reviewed a total of 425 white wines from the slopes of Sicily's Mount Etna. Today, we bring you the most highly rated of them all!

Earning 98 points, this tiny-production bottling from Giuseppe Russo is an extraordinary wine that completely charmed us with its exotic deliciousness. With production of just 100 cases, we feel very lucky to have been able to get hold of a small supply of this explosive single-vineyard white to share with you.

Read on for the tasting notes, and for a crack at this wine's beautiful red sibling, then hit the Big Yellow Button to experience these gorgeous, quite singular wines for yourself!

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2023 Girolamo Russo "San Lorenzo" Etna Bianco
Sicily, Italy
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WOW. Giuseppe is at the forefront of what is possible with white grapes on the northern slopes of Etna. Considered by many to be one of the “Grand Cru” of the mountain, San Lorenzo is one of Etna's coolest, most high-elevation sites, and it is capable of making truly world class white wine.

At 750 meters of elevation, Russo harvests organically-farmed Carricante along with a small amount of Catarratto and Grecanico. He avoids malolactic fermentation and ages the wine for six months in neutral casks. Unfettered by oak, the wine is a pure reflection of terroir.

From our first nose into the glass, the wine was shockingly good. There’s an explosive, exotic tone along with alluring, unctuous aromas of white peach brulée, pineapple, papaya and orange blossom honey. The flavor profile could suggest Condrieu or Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, but those wines are not as honed as this!

"A white Etna that’s full of detail and fruit concentration with sleek minerality. Candied cedar and smoke, together with bright yellow peach pulp soaked in lemon zest. Full body with weight and firm, long acidity. The texture is silky and not flabby, with a lively finish full of chewy citrus and peachy details. Super length and persistency. This is a reference point for Etna. Ready to drink now, but will age consistently for 5 to 10 years."
         - 98 Points, James Suckling (7/29/2024)

With just 100 cases produced, this 12.5% ABV beauty offers such a beautiful combination of texture, length and energy. Looking online we found just two listings across the planet - one in California and one in Italy. Our price on this stunner beats them both. If you love the great white wines of Europe, you'll not want to miss this!

Vin Chicago Price: 71.99

2021 Girolamo Russo "San Lorenzo" Etna Rosso
Sicily, Italy
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This 2021 red from Giuseppe stopped us in our tracks. Its initial floral, blood orange and ash aromas are quickly joined by flavors of just-ripe raspberry and whispers of blue fruit and peppercorn.

“Giuseppe Russo makes some of the best wines on Etna. Full stop. San Lorenzo is one of the most impressive interpretations of Etna.”
- Wine Advocate (6/30/2023)

If you’re a fan of high-level Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo and have not yet tried one of Giuseppe's reds, then you're just being stubborn. This precise and poignant wine will make you lean back and ponder its profundity!

"The Girolamo Russo 2021 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo is a very exciting wine with so much energy and verve. It opens to lean-bodied concentration with a brilliant ruby shine. The wine shows a long array of wild fruit and tiny berry aromas backed by crushed white pepper and crushed stone. San Lorenzo is one of the most impressive interpretations of Etna. I highly recommend you try and cellar this wine. Drink Date: 2024 - 2042."
          - 96+ Points, Wine Advocate (6/30/2023)

"Subtle notes of ripe red berries, like cherries and strawberries, with hints of lilac, red spices and crushed stones. Some blood oranges, too. Medium-bodied, polished and even on the palate with supple tannins that have a dusty texture. Juicy acidity and a crunchy, mineral finish. Drink or hold."
         - 94 Points, James Suckling (6/29/2023)

This is a wine that can be compared to top Burgundy, yet sells for much less. Median online retail is $75, and it is worth that amount. With Giuseppe currently making the best wines of his career, this one is something special.

Vin Chicago Price: 65.99