Vineyard and terroir

Eruzione 1614 Carricante comes from the Sciaranuova vineyard at Castiglione di Sicilia, in the province of Catania. Its terraces lie at 815–860 metres above sea level on black lava-sand soils that are exceptionally rich in minerals and contain an abundant proportion of large elements. Woodland and more recent lava flows surround the site.

The vines are planted at 5,050 plants per hectare and trained on espalier systems, using both spurred-cordon and Guyot pruning. The reported yield is 80 quintals per hectare, equivalent to 8,000 kg/ha.

The vineyard is farmed organically under SOStain® protocols. Wild-flower ground cover helps build organic matter and sustain the soil's microfauna. Vine health is managed with small quantities of sulphur and copper, while beneficial insects, mating disruption, zeolite, kaolin and plant extracts are employed against pests. The wine is certified organic and SOStain®.

Grapes

100% Carricante.

Vinification

For the 2023 vintage, harvesting took place from 2 to 7 October. The fruit was collected in crates and immediately cooled to 8°C, then selected by hand, lightly destalked and gently pressed. After settling, the must was racked and fermented in stainless steel between 10 and 18°C.

Ageing

The wine matured in stainless steel and remained on its fine lees, with continual stirring, until August. It was bottled in January 2024 with a Stelvin® Deluxe closure.

Technical data

Alcohol: 13.5% vol.
Total acidity: 6.85 g/L
pH: 3.23
Bottle size: 0.75 L
Bottle weight: 460 g
Ageing potential: 7–10 years

Tasting profile

Very pale golden yellow. The 2023 profile opens with white and yellow flowers, including wild pear blossom, elderflower and borage, followed by French honeysuckle honey, beeswax, chestnut blossom and a grain-like note evocative of wheat stores. Its pronounced mineral character reflects the Sciaranuova site. The palate is authoritative and shaped by altitude, with firm, persistent acidity and flavours of Granny Smith apple, orange wood and freshly harvested wheat.

The broader profile combines ripe fruit and white-flower aromas with softness and drive on the palate. Lemon peel and green apple bring freshness, while the mineral character carries the finish.

Serving and pairing

Pair with fish dishes, white meat or mild cheeses.

Vintage notes

The 2023 Etna growing season produced a decidedly below-average crop. Bunch numbers were already low after flowering, possibly because May and June rains affected flowering and fruit set in the high-altitude vineyards. The remaining grapes were very healthy. July heat did not disrupt the delicate ripening phases, and maturation remained even. A long summer followed by a dry autumn produced intensely flavoured, substantial grapes.

Label / history

The wine takes its name from Etna's eruption of 1614. Lasting ten years—the longest eruption recorded in the area's history—the lava flow stopped at the boundary of the Sciaranuova vineyard. This event supplies the name for the Etna cru. The first vintage was 2009.