Pietra Marina 2020

Originating from the eastern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, Pietra Marina comes from old Carricante vines planted at altitude on sandy and stony volcanic soils rich in ash and minerals. The plots are located primarily around Milo, in the Etna Bianco Superiore appellation area, where the combined influence of the Ionian Sea and the mountains brings cool nights, a significant temperature range, and slow ripening of the grapes, resulting in a wine that is taut, saline, and remarkably pure.

Sourced from old Carricante vines cultivated at high altitude on the slopes of Mount Etna, this wine is made from hand-harvested, carefully sorted grapes. After gentle pressing, the must ferments slowly in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve aromatic purity and minerality. Aging continues for an extended period on fine lees in tanks, with periodic stirring, before further refinement in the bottle to enhance the texture and reveal the saline complexity characteristic of the volcanic terroir.

This wine reveals notes of ripe citrus , green apple , and stone fruit , complemented by touches of white flowers , Mediterranean herbaceous nuances, and a distinctly mineral dimension reminiscent of volcanic rock and flint. On the palate, the texture is taut and precise, driven by lively acidity , an elegant structure, and a lingering, saline finish that underscores the volcanic origin of the terroir.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!