OG Etna Rosso by Murgo
Etna wines have earned a serious following over the past decade, and with that popularity has come a steady climb in prices. But every now and then, a bottle reminds us that not all Etna producers are riding the wave upward. 2022 Scammacca del Murgo, Etna Rosso is one of those rare finds that continues to deliver both authenticity and value, year after year.
Murgo is not a newcomer chasing a trend. This is a long-established Sicilian family with deep roots and extensive, historic vineyard holdings on the slopes of Mount Etna. Because they’ve owned and farmed their land for generations, they haven’t faced the same pressure to buy high-priced fruit or pass along steep cost increases. The result is one of the most consistent and fairly priced Etna Rossos I can confidently recommend every vintage.
Made primarily from Nerello Mascalese, Etna’s signature red grape, the 2022 shows exactly why this region has become so beloved. The aromas are lifted and expressive: wild strawberry, red cherry, and pomegranate layered with dried herbs, volcanic earth, and a subtle smoky mineral note that speaks directly to Etna’s lava-rich soils.
On the palate, the wine is vibrant and graceful rather than heavy. Bright acidity keeps the red fruit lively, while fine, sandy tannins give just enough structure to make it feel serious without being austere. There’s a savory edge and a stony, almost salty finish that makes each sip refreshing and food-friendly. It’s the kind of red that drinks beautifully with a slight chill and keeps you reaching back to the glass.
What makes this wine especially valuable to me is its reliability. Vintage after vintage, Murgo produces an Etna Rosso that captures the region’s energy and elegance at a price that still feels grounded. While many Etna labels have crept into special-occasion territory, this remains an any-night-of-the-week way to experience one of Italy’s most exciting wine regions.
90 Points, Vinous Media
A bit coy in the glass, the 2022 Etna Rosso slowly evolves with nuances of wild strawberry, sage and wet stone. It’s graceful and pliant with ripe wild berry fruits and rosy inner florals that arch across a core of brisk acidity. The 2022 tapers off dry and tense, leaving a note of hard red candy on the finish.