A beguiling nose of cooling mint and smoke that gives way to crushed cherries laced with licorice and hints of shaved cedar. Its velvety textures soothe, carried across a medium-bodied framework of acid and minerals, as juicy black fruits and hints of wild herbs drenched the palate. A coating of fine tannins lingers, framing the experience nicely without slowing its momentum, as nuances of plum sauce and balsamic spices slowly fade.

Dramatic diurnal shifts in the 2016 growing season preserved fresh acidity in the grapes and amped up this wine’s gorgeous scents of lavender and eucalyptus. It’s a complete wine, unfolding with juicy dark-berry and plum flavors couched in a velvety texture, finishing long and balanced on lingering spice notes.

Bright sunshine and constant winds at Feudo Montoni gave a mid-weight wine with beautiful freshness. Meaty tannins frame flavors of dark plum, tobacco and carob, taking on notes of blood and iron that lend a pleasant rusticity to the wine.

There’s an airy and cooling mineral freshness to the 2020 Catarratto Masso that keeps coming back to the glass. Apricot, peach skins and lemon zest make for an invigorating bouquet. It’s a rich and pliant yet buzzing with energy derived from a mix of zesty acids and sour citrus. Hints of green melon and apple linger long through the finale. The 2020 is an excellent example of just how much character and balance Catarratto can obtain in the right hands.