Etna IDDA White 2022

Born on the southern slopes of Etna, in Sicily, IDDA Bianco comes from high-altitude vineyards located around the villages of Biancavilla and Belpasso. These plots, planted on volcanic soils rich in ash and pumice, benefit from significant diurnal temperature variations. The maritime influence of the Ionian Sea, combined with cool mountain winds, promotes slow ripening and preserves a marked acidity. This unique terroir gives the wine a precise mineral expression and great aromatic purity.

The grapes are hand-picked on the slopes of Etna, then carefully sorted before gentle pressing. The must ferments in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the aromatic purity and freshness of the grape variety. Aging continues mostly in stainless steel tanks, complemented by a portion in oak barrels of different volumes, with prolonged contact on fine lees and regular bâtonnage, to bring texture, complexity, and balance to the wine.

This wine reveals notes of ripe citrus, white-fleshed fruits, and delicate white flowers, complemented by touches of Mediterranean herbs and a subtle smoky mineral dimension. The palate is taut and precise, driven by a lively acidity, a full yet elegant texture, and a balanced hint of richness. The finish is long, saline, and refreshing, leaving an impression of purity and harmony.

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!