Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes from several contrade—San Lorenzo, Feudo and Calderara Sottana—on Etna’s northern slopes, at elevations of 650–800 metres. The vineyards combine young plantings with old vines aged from 50 to more than 100 years. Carricante is grown at Feudo, while other white grapes are selected from vines interspersed among the old vineyards. The sandy volcanic soil is rich in minerals. Planting density is 5,500 vines per hectare, with alberello and modified alberello trained on trellises. Yield is 50 quintals per hectare.
Grapes
80% Carricante and 20% other native varieties: Catarratto, Inzolia, Grecanico, Minnella and Coda di Volpe.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested by hand in the first days of October. Skin contact lasts 24 hours. Fermentation proceeds for approximately ten days with indigenous yeasts at 12–15°C, with 80% of the wine fermented in stainless steel and 20% in used tonneaux. Malolactic fermentation is prevented.
Ageing
The wine matures for six months in the same proportions of stainless steel and used tonneaux, followed by at least six months in bottle.
Technical data
Etna Bianco D.O.C. Alcohol: 12.5%. Production: 18,000 bottles.
Tasting profile
Pale straw yellow with subtle golden highlights. The refined, elegant bouquet emphasizes citrus and floral notes, accompanied by gentle spice. The palate is fresh and savoury; acidity balances the alcohol and carries the wine into a long, persistent and distinctly mineral finish.
