Biondi 2022 Etna Rosso Cisterna Fuori

Ciro Biondi's family has owned vineyards on the southern side of Mt Etna since at least 1800, and first sold bottled wine under their label a century ago. The modern iteration of the Biondi winery started in 1999. Ciro (an architect by training) and his wife Stef own three vineyards near the small town of Trecastagni, and have reworked an old palmento in one of their vineyards as a winery.

‘Cisterna Fuori’ has been owned by the Biondi family for many centuries. That name means ‘outside cistern’, a reference to an ancient water cistern in the middle of the vineyard site. The vines grow on the side of a spent crater which dates back to 125 B.C. and is very steep, with supporting dry stone terraced walls. The wine is juicy, earthy, red-fruited and delicious. Pairs beautifully with pasta dishes and grilled seafood.

-Oliver McCrum Wines