The Auswine Forum

100% Nerello Mascalese from the northern slopes of Mt Etna at 800-1000m. Grapes from the contradas of Verzella, Pietramarina and Feudo di Mezzo. 14% ABV. Aged in large oak casks for 6 months.

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Trying this producer for the first time. A lot going on in the glass. Sweet and vibrant raspberry and plum, bitter cherry. White pepper, cinnamon, alpine herbs, earth. A good balance between the fruit and savouriness. Dusty tannins, Etna minerality and raisins on the long, very dry finish. Never had raisins in an Etna wine before!

The quality is undeniable and great QPR at $39. However, it's not archetypal Etna with that raisiny finish. I think this would be an interesting curve-ball to put into a blind line-up of Amarone. Should cellar well for another 5+ years.

I've come across other Cusumano wines before e.g. Noa, an approachable Nero d'Avola I first saw about 15 years ago

Ian S wrote:I've come across other Cusumano wines before e.g. Noa, an approachable Nero d'Avola I first saw about 15 years ago

Drank quite a few of the entry level Cusomano reds and whites when they were on sale in Sydney many years ago. I suspect the average punter weren't looking at imported wines back them.

Mahmoud.

Cusumano has been around a while, I think since around 2000. The Alta Mora label is a fairly recent endeavour from some more recently purchased vineyards.