Gaja-Graci, IDDA, Etna Rosso

€59.99

This is a gorgeous, sumptuous, svelte, elegant, engaging, mineral, charming, fruit-forward, spice-laden masterpiece of Italian wine-making. Ripe sweet fruits, mulberry, black cherry and fruit peel with herbaceous balance and savouriness make it absolutely delicious; its medium-full body is perfectly dressed in some oak ageing, but as it's Gaja, you know it'll always be fantastically well-balanced.

It seems that Angelo Gaja can do no wrong.

Here is his most recent result of his exploration of Italy's vast potential; this time in Sicily. However, unlike his Tuscan venture, which was very much his own execution, he has teamed up with a stellar Sicilian winemaker, Alberto Graci.

The two men sourced and bought some of the best vines on the south-western side of Etna, many of which are over 100 years old. Planted at incredible altitudes between 630 and 820 metres above sea level, Gaja leaned on Graci's extensive knowledge of the two chief Sicilian protagonist grape varieties, Nerello Mascalese for the red and Carricante for the white. And that's all they do one wine from the red grapes and one from the white. They only make two wines.

Etna is the highest volcano in Europe and is the source of much Sicilian activity on a daily basis. To that extent Etna has its own nickname, which comes from the local dialect for the word "she", because they view Etna as a Mother-figure, kindly, but strict. As in: "She's going to blow", or: "she's in good form today, thank goodness" (meaning she's not going to do anything...). That word is Idda and that's the name of this project, because it takes from the energy of Etna and the unique vineyard qualities that come from its volcanic soils.

The project, too, has an energy about it that seems latent and about to break into a massive interest in high-end Sicilian wines, somewhat like a volcano. But scratch a little at the surface and Sicily has already a vibrant scene at the top, largely thanks to Graci himself! This then is Gaja lending some of his weight in return for a spare set of keys to the island's treasures, and in fairness, it seems that both parties will win equally. Global interest in top tier Sicilian wines will grow on account of Gaja's presence, and sitting at the top alongside the IDDA project is Graci. Well played. And as the wines are so excellent, no one can complain!

Region: Sicily

Country: Italy

Grape(s): Nerello Mascalese

Style: Svelte, Smooth, Silky, Medium Full, Elegant, Complex, Bright, Balanced

Best food matches: Roasts, Pasta, Grills, Game, Fine Dining, Cheeses, Charcuterie

Alcohol: 14.5%

Why buy from us?

When you buy wine from The Allotment Wine Co. you're helping a small Irish company that in turn supports small, sustainable wine producers who grow the grapes and make amazing wines. We only work with partners who share a deep respect and connection with the land and its traditions, witnessed in a firm commitment to quality and sustainability. All of which makes for better wines.

Delivery & Returns

You'll get free delivery when you buy 12 x 75cl bottles of wine online from The Allotment, saving you €7.99.

We charge €7.99 per delivery for quantities less than that.

Our hours for processing orders are between 9am - 6pm Monday to Friday.

We pack your online wine order along the following timelines:

Wine orders for delivery in Dublin, received before 12pm on weekdays are prepared so that delivery should be expected the next working day.

Wine orders for nationwide delivery, received by 12pm on weekdays are prepared so that delivery should be expected two working days later.

Customer reviews

★★★★★
Great choice and excellent service. Received my delivery the next day.
Paul H.
★★★★★
Amazing service from the get go!
I emailed Chris looking for wine recommendations for a birthday gift. Got a really speedy, helpful reply and not only that but he hand delivered it on time to the birthday girl wishing her a happy birthday. Absolutely bowled over by the service. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Michelle McM.
★★★★★
Could not recommend The Allotment enough. The selection is fantastic and each wine that I've drank from them has been utterly phenomenal. Delivery was no hassle and I had the wine at my door in 2 days. Couldn't have asked for a better experience.
Luke B.
★★★★★
Good range of interesting wines. Good personal attention to their orders. Very customer focused. I would be happy to recommend this company to any prospective customer.
Jim D.
★★★★★
A great experience ordering from The Allotment Wine Company. A wide variety of wines to try something new and at good prices with super quick delivery! Really convenient too as opposed to trying to find parking!
N. Dowling
★★★★★
Delicious and interesting range of wines delivered promptly to my door. Not far off that lovely feeling of coming back laden from a good wine store but without any of the traffic or the worry of breaking the wine en route (very impressive travel wrap).
M. Dorman
★★★★★
Chris fields a fine range of excellent, keenly-priced wines. Orders are safely packaged and dispatched efficiently and promptly. Strongly recommended.
David M.
★★★★★
Great selection of wines, hassle free ordering, payment and delivery. Highly recommended.
Patrick H.
Hi, I'm Chris Gifford.

And you're very welcome to The Allotment Wine Co.

When you wine from me, you're supporting a small Irish business which in turn supports small, sustainable wine producers, as well as other small, dedicated Irish wine importers.

When selecting wines, I look for partners who share a deep respect and connection with the land and its traditions, witnessed in a firm commitment to quality and sustainability. All of which makes for better wines.