This wine flaunts some amazing DNA. The Valenti 2014 Etna Rosso Puritani draws its clusters of Nerello Mascalese from the prized Guardiola vineyard, one of the best-performing sites on Etna, located at an impressive 800 meters in elevation and planted to 91-year-old alberello vines. A few Etna producers in addition to Valenti choose to hold back their red wine releases, but I'm not sure why this is because young Etna reds definitely hold their own. In fact, this bottle is a little too evolved for my taste, and it's even a bit flat in terms of the bouquet now seven years after the harvest. Dried fruit segues to dark spice, grilled herb and bitter almond. I remember this vintage in particular, the 2014, tasting so beautifully when young. Some 12,000 bottles were released.

Slightly volatile and pungent on the nose initially, the 2013 Etna Rosso Puritani offers a very bright and buoyant quality of fruit that pops right out of the glass. The bouquet here emits direct lines of sour cherry, forest berry, tart cherry and bitter almond. Puritani is tightly coiled and fresh with pretty layers of peat moss and forest floor. Aged in large barrels for 18 months, this is a traditional expression from Etna that recalls the wines I tasted on the volcano like ten or 20 years ago. I suppose the wine's name, Puritani, underlines that fact. About 12,000 bottles were released.

Showing a dark ruby appearance, the 2012 Etna Rosso Puritani embraces a traditional side of Etna winemaking. The nose is likable and bright but I really must underline how rich and seductive the color is. There are some quirky impurities on the bouquet and maybe a touch of volatile acidity with soapy floral aromas and apple skin. Those aromas lift to reveal dark berry, dusty mineral tones and light spice. The tannins show a slightly gritty texture. Puritani is aged in large oak casks and fruit is sourced from the Guardiola Contrada with vines that are to 80-years-old. In summary, this is an enjoyable wine with a untamed personality. I'd suggest a shorter drinking window for this Etna Rosso.

The 2011 Etna Rosso Puritani is a focused and balanced wine that offers a pretty window onto volcanic winemaking. The nose opens to wild berries, dried rose potpourri, ash and crushed mineral. This medium-bodied red shows tight tannic firmness and a touch of acidic sharpness that adds energy and life.

A pure expression of Nerello Mascalese, the 2009 Puritani (an IGT Sicilia wine) shows good varietal purity with fruit nuances of dried cherry, cassis, campfire ash, dark mineral and pressed blue flowers. The wine shows a heightened sense of grip in the mouth, with textured tannins that add dimension and a sense of power on the close.