Experience the genius of Carlo Ferrini, one of the most highly-regarded names in Italian winemaking with a 30 year history across multiple reknowed wineries who now continues his legacy alongside his daughter, Bianca.
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This week, we have the honor of featuring one of the most significant figures in modern Italian winemaking: Carlo Ferrini. A three-time recipient of Winemaker of the Year with over 30 years as an oenologist, agronomist and consultant, Carlo's influence on the evolution of Italian wine cannot be overstated.
His personal projects, Alberelli di Giodo on Mount Etna and Podere Giodo in Tuscany, reflect his deep connection to place, precision in the vineyard, and restrained elegance in the glass.
From the volcanic soils of Sicily, taste the mineral-driven Carricante 2021 and the vibrant, savory Nerello Mascalese 2021. Then virtually travel to Tuscany for the 2022 ‘La Quinta’, a pure and polished Sangiovese-based red.
Three expressive wines, one masterful vision - all in this week’s flight. It starts this evening through Sunday (or until supplies last!)
Cheers,
Mark
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Alberelli di Giodo Sicily Carricante 2021
Sicily, Italy
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While it was Nerello Mascalese that originally enticed Carlo Ferrini to begin producing Sicilian wines, he quickly fell in love with the region's signature white varietal: Carricante. The grape is perfectly attuned to the volcanic soils of Mount Etna and offers one of the purest expressions of terroir in a bottle. On the label, a figure representing Carricante supports the world of wine. He is depicted at the summit of Mount Etna and alone holds up the world, as a representation of the undiluted vineyards of Etna.
Varietal: 100% Carricante
From a small, 1 hectare plot of vines at 850 meters of elevation on the slopes of Mount Etna. Grapes are hand harvested from the 50 year old vines. Aged for 6 months on the lees in stainless steel, followed by 10 months of additional bottle aging prior to release.
Tasting Notes: A structured white wine with medium body and a creamy, round mouthfeel to balance its zingy acidity and minerality. The nose is fragrant with notes of honeysuckle, peach, and lemon. The palate is crisp and bright with Etna's signature salinity, followed by notes of white peach, pear, wet stones, and dried herbal spice.
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Alberelli di Giodo Sicily Nerello Mascalese 2021
Sicily, Italy
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A remarkable expression of Mount Etna's signature red varietal, Nerello Mascalese. Over 15 years of visiting Sicily as a winemaker, Carlo Ferrini became enamored by Mount Etna and the power of this grape varietal. On the label, a figure representing Nerello Mascalese supports the world of wine. He is depicted at the summit of Mount Etna and alone holds up the world, as a representation of the undiluted vineyards of Etna.
Varietal: 100% Nerello Mascalese
From a small, 1 hectare plot on the slopes of Mount Etna. Vines are pre-phylloxera and range between 80-100 years old. Grapes are hand harvested and fermented with 20 days of skin contact, before aging for 18 months in large oak casks and additional time in concrete. Aged in bottle for another 12 months prior to release.
Tasting Notes: Bright ruby red in color, with rich and concentrated cherry, floral, and smoke aromas. The wine is medium bodied with fine but grippy tannins. The palate displays vivid red berries, plum, and iron, followed by the signature smokiness and minerality of Etna wines.
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Podere Giodo 'La Quinta' Toscana 2022
Tuscany, Italy
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The Sangiovese for this bottling comes from the fifth vineyard that Carlo Ferrini acquired when he first began making wines in Tuscany, hence the name "La Quinta." While this bottling could qualify as a Rosso di Montalcino, they have proudly decided to keep the IGT Toscana denomination. The label features a figure living within the circle of the world of wine, since this denomination is open to any kind of combination or blend.
Varietal: 100% Sangiovese
From a 3 hectare vineyard of 80 year old vines on Carlo Ferrini's Tuscan property. Vines range in age from 7-10 years old. Grapes are fermented in stainless steel with 13 days of skin contact. Aged for 12 months in a combination of oak casks and amphorae, followed by additional time in concrete. Aged in bottle for another 6 months prior to release.
Tasting Notes: A medium bodied wine with bright jeweled red color and fine, soft coating tannins balanced by bright acidity. Perfumed aromas of cherry liqueur, leather, and roses. The palate features notes of ripe strawberries, cherries, and violets, with dried herbs and spices on the finish.
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About Alberelli di Giodo & Podere Giodo
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Alberelli di Giodo is a boutique wine project established by renowned Italian enologist Carlo Ferrini on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. The estate spans just over one hectare at an elevation of 950 meters, where pre-phylloxera Nerello Mascalese vines - some over a century old - are cultivated in the traditional alberello (bush vine) style. This ancient training method, combined with the volcanic black soils and northern exposure, imparts exceptional minerality and elegance to the wine. The inaugural vintage was released in 2016 as a refined expression of Etna’s terroir.
Podere Giodo, also founded by Carlo Ferrini in 2002, is a small, high-quality winery located in the Montalcino region of Tuscany. The estate encompasses six hectares of vineyards situated between Sant’Angelo in Colle and Sant’Antimo. Ferrini meticulously selected eight Sangiovese clones renowned for their quality and low yields, emphasizing sustainable viticulture practices. The winery produces two main wines: the Brunello di Montalcino and La Quinta, a Toscana IGT red. The name "Giodo" honors Ferrini’s parents, Giovanna and Donatello, reflecting the personal and familial connection to the land.
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