On the southern slopes of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, the third and fourth generation of the Serafica family organically farms grapes, olives and rye at elevations above 800 meters on lava, ash, and sand. While grown within the Etna DOC boundary, this 100% Nerello Cappuccio, a native grape of the region, is labelled as Terre Siciliane IGT because Nerello Cappuccio is not allowed a primary role in the Etna DOC. Tasting this wine makes one wonder why, and maybe that's because a 2014 DNA study found that the vast majority of what was being called Nerello Cappuccio was mostly Carignan and many other grapes. The intense aromas of fresh blueberries, blackberries and baking spices on the nose with lavender and black plum pit flavors on the finish make us think this stuff is the real deal; the kind of compelling wine that would keep its place in vineyards throughout the centuries. The wine is aged only in steel, so all of that spice is intrinsic to the grape and the moderate tannins and juicy acidity make this a wine with weeknight versatility: excellent with grilled vegetables, charcuterie, or a simple meat and tomato pasta.