Alta Mora Etna Rosso

If you could bottle the essence of a volcano, it might taste something like this. Alta Mora (meaning 'high black') refers to the high-altitude black volcanic soils of Mount Etna where these vines struggle to survive – and produce something magical in the process.

This is wine with a genuine sense of place, made from indigenous Nerello Mascalese grapes grown on the slopes of Europe's most active volcano. The Cusumano family, already established winemakers in other parts of Sicily, started this project to showcase the unique terroir of Etna.

The result is a wine that balances elegance with wild energy – think Pinot Noir's sophisticated cousin who has a slightly dangerous past. There's a mineral intensity here that can only come from volcanic soil, along with a freshness that defies Sicily's warm reputation.

For anyone tired of the same old international varieties, this bottle offers a fascinating detour into one of Italy's most exciting wine regions.