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Etna Bianco DOC wine — Planeta winery — Dionysus
WhiteEtnaDOC

Etna Bianco DOC

by Planeta · Sicily, Italy

AppellationEtnaDOC
TypeWhite
GrapesCarricante
VineyardMontelaguardia vineyard in Contrada Taccione, Castiglione di Sicilia (CT), on the northern side of the Etna denomination
LineFeudo di Mezzo
Vintages2024 technical sheet; official-page awards also reference the 2021, 2020 and 2019 vintages.
Alcohol13.0%
SweetnessDry
ColourWhite
Colour depthLight
BodyMedium-bodied
Serve at8–10 °C
Keeps for5–7 years
Bottled in0.75 l
PlanetaSicily, Italy

About this wine

Vineyard and terroir

Etna Bianco DOC is made at the Feudo di Mezzo winery from the Montelaguardia vineyard in Contrada Taccione, within Castiglione di Sicilia on the northern side of the Etna denomination. Contrada Taccione lies at about 700 m and is surrounded by woodland. Its well-lit vineyard covers almost 10 hectares, an unusually large contiguous site within the DOC. The recorded altitude range is 690–720 m above sea level.

The ground is black with volcanic sand, exceptionally rich in minerals and marked by abundant large-sized material. Woodland and more recent lava flows surround the site. The vines are trained on espalier systems and Guyot pruned, at a density of 5,050 vines per hectare. The 2024 yield was 73 q/ha, equivalent to 7.3 t/ha.

Cultivation follows organic-farming principles and the SOStain® protocol. Spontaneous ground cover is maintained to increase organic matter and encourage soil microfauna. Plant protection uses minimal quantities of sulphur and copper, while pests are managed with beneficial insects, mating disruption and natural strengthening products including zeolite, kaolin and plant extracts. The wine carries Organic Wine, SOStain® and 10.1 B certifications.

Grapes

100% Carricante. The first vintage was 2012.

Vinification

The 2024 grapes were harvested by hand from 23 to 28 September into 15–17 kg crates and immediately chilled overnight at 6–8 °C. On the following day they were selected by hand on a vibrating table, lightly crushed and destemmed, then softly pressed. The must settled for three to four days before racking. Fermentation took place at approximately 15 °C, with 70% of the volume in stainless-steel tanks and 30% in 25 and 50 hl oak vats and Nevers oak tonneaux.

Ageing

The wine remained in the same steel and oak vessels until March, with stirring of the fine lees. The first bottling of the 2024 vintage took place in July 2025. Its stated ageing capacity is five to seven years.

Technical data

The 2024 vintage has 13% alcohol, total acidity of 5.7 g/l and a pH of 3.18. It is bottled in 0.75 l and 1.5 l formats; the 0.75 l bottle weighs 400 g. Closures are either a single-piece natural cork or DIAM®.

Tasting profile

The combination of Carricante, black volcanic sand and high elevation gives layered aromas and multidimensional flavours. The 2024 opens with white acacia flowers, fresh white almond, mountain peach and a note of pale hazelnut cream. A restrained oak nuance is integrated with the volcanic character and mineral impression. The palate flows harmoniously, showing richness and flavours of yellow plum and prickly pear before a finish shaped by balanced acidity.

Serving and pairing

Pair with raw fish and fresh fruit, fish-based pasta dishes or pasta filata cheeses. It can also be served as an aperitif.

Vintage notes

The 2024 season on Etna began with a mild winter and spring, followed by light, evenly distributed rainfall that supported the vines through to harvest. Production was 15% above the average.