Etna Bianco 2024

From vineyards on the eastern and southern slopes of Etna, in Sicily, this Etna DOC Bianco is born between 700 and 950 metres above sea level. The Carricante is rooted in mineral-rich sandy, volcanic soils, in a mountain climate marked by bright light, wind and wide temperature swings. Conditions that define its fresh, mineral profile.

The grapes are harvested by hand around mid-October, then destemmed and gently pressed. Fermentation lasts around 15 days in stainless-steel tanks at a controlled temperature of about 18 °C, with native yeasts selected by the estate. The wine continues maturing for a few months on its fine lees in tank, before 2 to 3 months in bottle.

This wine reveals notes of green apple, yellow apple, citrus zest, orange blossom, white flowers, fresh herbs, camomile, honey, mineral smoke and sea salt. The palate is dry, sleek and harmonious, carried by a silky texture, vibrant acidity and a chalky mineral backbone. Its long, fresh and saline finish precisely extends the expression of the volcanic terroir.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful hedonistic country, home of the Dolce Vita, but how difficult it is to understand how its wine world is organised! The key to understanding the Italian appellation system is to see it as several small countries rather than one homogeneous country, because each region has its own appellation system. Yet Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavours and styles, as well as bottles full of surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a great quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most useful and commercially best-known names: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco and many others... But let's talk a little history: winegrowing in Italy dates back to the earliest antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and changed the grape varieties planted, later calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and some regions were already standing out for the excellence of their produce. The Romans also planted many vineyards across Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquests. Today Italy is the largest wine producer in the world, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The mountains of the north have a fairly harsh mountain climate. The plain in the "middle of the boot" has a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. The "southern part of the boot" has a Mediterranean climate with very hot, very dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces an enormous variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of them native to its soil. It is a country just as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!