As we’ve already pointed out when discussing the best wines of Sicily, the Etna area has now captured the attention of enthusiasts and experts alike – the recent news that Lamberto Frescobaldi and Marco De Grazia of Tenuta delle Terre Nere will be making wine together is a case in point – thanks to exponential improvements in quality and a dynamism that has propelled the entire region’s winemaking scene.
The Etna DOC, whose success was first driven by red wines (based on Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio), has now also established itself with its whites (featuring Grillo and Catarratto). The rosé represents a third way that is gaining traction, and we’ve tasted some excellent labels, some of which came close to winning the coveted Tre Bicchieri during last year’s tastings.
Nerello Mascalese – often blended with Nerello Cappuccio – remains the leading grape for Etna Rosato. Its origins are not fully known, but it appears to have been cultivated locally since ancient times. The name refers to the County of Mascali in the province of Catania, an agricultural zone nestled between the sea and the volcano. The resulting wines are fresh, mineral, and well-balanced, distinguished by their red berry flavours and floral notes.
Etna DOC Wines
Of the 28 Sicilian wines awarded Tre Bicchieri in the 2025 edition of Gambero Rosso’s Vini d’Italia, nearly half are from Etna – a testament to the terroir’s winemaking excellence. The reds, in particular, dominate with 9 wines earning top honours (including the Munjebel Rosso MC by Frank Cornelissen), but the three awarded whites are equally impressive – one of them produced by Maugeri, named Emerging Winery of 2025.
Etna Rosato: our top tastings
As we await the results of tastings for the upcoming 2026 Vini d’Italia guide by Gambero Rosso, here are the Etna rosé wines we most appreciated during the 2025 edition tastings. The first two made it to the final tastings, earning Due Bicchieri Rossi, but all are worth trying – we believe Etna rosé wines will continue to surprise year after year.
A brilliant debut for Francesco Restivo’s winery. The 2023 Etna Rosato shines with enchanting notes of Saturn peach, aromatic herbs and hints of slate. On the palate, it is compelling and elegant.
One of the oldest wineries on Etna, with records dating back to 1699. Fabio Costantino manages 10 hectares in Contrada Blandano and 2 in Contrada Praino, Milo. A pioneer in sustainability, he was the first to achieve organic certification on Etna in 2000. The vineyards, which employ green manure, are surrounded by 20 types of fruit trees. Most processes, including harvest, are done by hand. The 2023 rosato opens with clear floral and red fruit aromas, peach and Mediterranean herbs. Fresh, savoury, and fruit-forward on the palate.
The Barone di Villagrande label first appeared in 1727. The estate, still managed by the Nicolosi Asmundo family, is now led by Marco. Located in Contrada Villagrande, it’s a unique territory for producing Etna Bianco Superiore.
Alberto Aiello Graci crafts elegant, refined wines that showcase Etna’s volcanic terroir. Using local varietals, cement vats and large truncated-cone barrels, he expresses each contrada’s uniqueness. The 2023 Bianco Muganazzi was awarded Tre Bicchieri, and the 2023 rosato shows similar finesse, with smoky nuances, white peach and citron zest.
Founded by Guglielmo and Enzo Cambria, Cottanera initially focused on international grapes like Syrah and Merlot, before turning to native varieties. Now firmly established on Etna, they offer an intense 2023 rosato full of fruity and floral tones.
Founded by Diego and Alberto Cusumano in 2013, Alta Mora focuses exclusively on native grapes from select crus in Verzella. Their 2023 rosato is fresh, fragrant and savoury.
Run by Renato Maugeri and his daughters in Contrada Volpare, Milo, at 700m above sea level. The vineyard overlooks the Ionian Sea and surrounds an old 19th-century palmento. The 2023 rosato is produced from Carricante (with a touch of Catarratto), with additional old vines recently acquired in nearby Contrada Rinazzo.
Tuscan oenologist Emiliano Falsini began producing his own wines in 2019. He’s been consulting on Etna since 2005 and now makes wine in Contrada Feudo Pignatone, Randazzo, at 700m. The 2023 rosato is notable.
Massimo Lentsch and Stefania Frattolillo started making wine on the volcanic island of Lipari 20 years ago. Their eco-friendly estate includes bush-trained vineyards and a sustainable cellar. The 2023 rosato is refined and mineral.
Fifteen years ago, Mimmo and Valeria Costanzo restored an old palmento in Santo Spirito. The grapes, all organic, come from historic cru sites. The 2023 Mofete Rosato reveals ripe fruit, mountain herbs, a smoky tone, and a fresh, savoury core.
Founded in 2008, Pietradolce made an explosive debut with the Archineri Rosso ’07. Since then, the Faro brothers have built a state-of-the-art winery and expanded to nearly 40 hectares over seven contrade. The 2023 rosato is, as always, exceptional.
A more recent winery, the Calcagno family bottled their first wine in 2006. Based in Passopisciaro, they work with old bush-trained vines in Arcuria, Calderara and Feudo di Mezzo. The 2023 Romice delle Sciare rosato is a standout.
The Rallo family’s Donnafugata operates across four key Sicilian terroirs: Contessa Entellina, Pantelleria, the Vittoria region, and Etna. The heart remains the historic Marsala cellar. Their 2023 rosato Sul Vulcano is our focus here.
Three cousins from the fourth generation of the Alessandro family (famous for their Camporeale winery) created this new label. Each cousin brings unique expertise. The 2022 Vignazza rosato is one to watch.
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