2016 I Vigneri I Custodi "Saeculare" Etna Rosso Riserva (Nerello Mascalese)

Name: 2016 I Vigneri I Custodi "Saeculare" Etna Rosso Riserva (Nerello Mascalese)
SKU: 2063960
Price: 99.99 USD
Availability: PreOrder
Rating: 95 (5 reviews)

Pre-Arrival

97VN

96JD

94DC

94JS

94RP

$99.99

Pre-Arrival: Estimated to be available for delivery or pickup by 12/31/2026.

60+ Available for Purchase

Vinous

Reviewed September 2026

The 2016 Etna Rosso Riserva Saeculare impresses with fragrances of crushed ashen stone, smoke and animal musk before revealing dried black cherries and a balsamic inflection. It's surprisingly racy and refined with radiant red and black fruits and crunchy mineral undertones. A touch of blood orange mingles with hints of clove. The 2016 closes with edgy tannins, sour citrus and dramatic length and concentration. The Riserva Saeculare hails from vines up to 200 years old in the Feudo di Mezzo Contrada. (EG)

Professional Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck

Review Date: 10/2025

A medium red color, the 2016 Etna Rosso Riserva Saeculare is incredibly youthful, pure, and detailed. This is another level for this estate. In the cellar, the wine was fermented in steel, then aged for roughly three years in oak, and then returned to rest in steel before bottling. Medium-bodied yet with depth, this is a great example that showcases what this region is capable of. Ripe cherries, sweet herbs, fresh spices, cardamom, and smoky earth emerge as it unfolds in the glass, where it delivers depth and complexity, as well as freshness. It should drink well for about 15-20 years, no problem. Brilliant. Drink 2025-2040. (AF)

Decanter

Review Date: 05/2025

I always look forward to tasting Saeculare, a field blend which comes from old vines planted in wonderfully deep, black and fine volcanic soils in Feudo di Mezzo. This new 2016 release is the result of 36 months of ageing in used tonneaux, followed by at least another three years in bottle. In this case, it was held onto for a bit longer due to the quality and structure of the wine. Intense, muscular and grippy with a bold perfume, it has a succulent core of saline black cherry and blood orange, wrapped in a shell of dark chocolate, iron and dried red berries. Still youthful, it demands another few years to be at its best. (JB)

James Suckling

Review Date: 06/2025

Complex and deep with restrained evolution, showing graphite, dried roses, black pepper and dark fruit with leafy tones. Medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and condensed tannins on the palate. Savory, almost meaty aftertaste. Chewy, lifted yet balanced. Drink or hold. (AF)

Notes

Saeculare is I Custodi’s Etna Rosso Riserva from Contrada Feudo di Mezzo, on the volcano’s northern slope in Castiglione di Sicilia. The vineyard is trained as alberello in sandy volcanic soil. The 2016 is 80% Nerello Mascalese, with Nerello Cappuccio and Alicante. Decanter’s assessment describes substantial grip and a saline core of dark fruit. Vinous finds red and black fruit lifted by citrus detail, with firm tannins and a persistent finish.

Details

Type	Red Wine
Origin	Sicily, Italy
Bottle Size	750 mL
SKU	2063960

Your wine. Your timing.

Take possession when your pre-arrivals are ready, or choose managed storage with RareStorage.

60 days free on K&L purchases. Then $0.40 per bottle/month. $9.50 monthly minimum.

Set pre-arrival preference Details & rates