About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Montelaguardia lies in Contrada Taccione at Castiglione di Sicilia, on the northern side of the Etna denomination. The well-lit vineyard covers almost 10 hectares—an uncommon size within the DOC—and is enclosed by woodland. Its elevation ranges from 690 to 720 metres above sea level.
The well-positioned ground is black with lava sand, exceptionally rich in minerals and marked by abundant, large structural material. Woodland and younger lava flows surround the site. The vines are planted at 5,050 plants per hectare and trained on espalier with Guyot pruning. The 2024 yield was 73 quintals per hectare.
The vineyard is managed under organic-farming principles and SOStain® protocols. Wild ground cover builds organic matter and supports soil microfauna. Vine health is protected with minimal quantities of sulphur and copper, while beneficial insects, mating disruption, zeolite, kaolin and plant extracts are used to manage pests. The wine is certified organic and SOStain®.
Grapes
100% Carricante.
Vinification
The 2024 grapes were harvested by hand from 23 to 28 September into 15–17 kg crates. They were immediately chilled overnight at 6–8°C, then hand-selected on a vibrating table the following day. Light crushing and destemming preceded gentle pressing. The must settled for three to four days before racking and fermentation at approximately 15°C. Seventy percent fermented in stainless-steel tanks; the remaining 30% fermented in 25- and 50-hectolitre oak vats and Nevers-oak tonneaux.
Ageing
The wine remained in the same vessels until March, with stirring of the fine lees. The first bottling of the 2024 vintage took place in July 2025. Closures are single-piece natural cork or DIAM®.
Technical data
2024 vintage: 13% alcohol by volume, total acidity of 5.7 g/L and pH 3.18. Bottle formats are 0.75 L and 1.5 L; the 0.75 L bottle weighs 400 g. Expected ageing capacity is five to seven years.
Tasting profile
The combination of black volcanic sand and high elevation gives the Carricante layered aromas and three-dimensional flavours. The 2024 bouquet brings together white acacia blossom, fresh white almond, mountain peach and white hazelnut cream, with a restrained oak note integrated into the wine’s mineral, volcanic character. The palate flows harmoniously, showing yellow plum and prickly pear before a balanced-acidity finish.
Serving and pairing
Pair with raw fish and fresh fruit, fish-based pasta dishes or stretched-curd cheeses. It can also be served as an aperitif.
Vintage notes
The 2024 season on Etna began with a mild winter and spring. Light, evenly distributed rainfall supported the vines through to harvest. Production was 15% above the average, making it a particularly abundant vintage.
Label / history
First produced in 2012, the wine is made at Feudo di Mezzo from Carricante grown in Contrada Taccione.