Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes come from estate vineyards and some grower fruit in Castiglione di Sicilia, Randazzo, Biancavilla and Milo. The vineyards lie mainly on Mount Etna’s northern slope, between 600 and 900 m; the broader description also identifies eastern exposures. The volcanic soils vary among the contributing sites. Vine ages range from 5 to 80 years, while the general data on the main page extends the upper limit to 100 years. Vines are trained as alberello and modified alberello, and yields are approximately 6–7 t/ha.
Grapes
The detailed composition is 70% Carricante, 20% Catarratto, 5% Grecanico and 5% Inzolia. The broader wine description additionally identifies Minnella as part of the traditional field blend and characterizes Carricante as the predominant variety.
Vinification
Harvest takes place at the end of September. The grapes undergo soft pressing, followed by low-temperature fermentation in stainless-steel vats.
Technical data
Alcohol: 12.5%. Annual production is stated as 55,000 bottles in 750 ml format, although the main-page data gives 50,000 bottles.
Tasting profile
Pale yellow in colour, with a floral aroma recalling linden blossom. The palate is fresh, saline and distinctly mineral. Its initially bright, graceful and slender character gains greater depth and a more decisive expression of terroir as it matures.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 8–10 °C. Suitable pairings include light pasta dishes, fish, white meat, risotto, chicken, rabbit, prosciutto with melon, and salami with figs.
Label / history
First produced in 2005, the wine originated from the traditional white varieties interplanted in small quantities among old red vines. Separating those grapes allowed the red wine to be based solely on Nerello while creating a distinct Etna Bianco from the native white field blend.
