The Territory of Etna DOC Bianco

The volcano, at 3343 metres above sea level, is the highest active volcano in Europe and dominates the eastern part of Sicily. The local people have always considered it a sacred mountain, paying it respect and gratitude and nicknaming it "Mungibeddu", from the union of the Latin and Arabic words for mountain. It can therefore be defined as a contrasting mountain, a symbol of magnificence in which the ardour of the lava opposes the frost of the snow. Around the volcano, the air is clean and uncontaminated because human intervention has been erased by the lava and has kept intact its nature and charm, which are transfused into the unique flavours of Etna Bianco wine, known as an excellence of regional wine culture. In recent years, the volcano has become an agricultural phenomenon to be discovered, despite the fact that activity is still present but less constant and damaging. Mungibeddu is defined as an island within an island because of its biodiversity and environmental peculiarities, which are far different from the rest of Sicily. It is cultivated on all its slopes at altitudes that can exceed 1000 metres, giving rise to various quantities of unique products, in addition to grapes. The quality and quantity of fruit and vegetables is enviable and is exported all over the world. The vineyards of Etna DOC Bianco, with more than a hundred years of history behind them, are still free-standing because they are the few to have survived the late 19th-century attacks by the phylloxera insect, which suffocates volcanic soils. Etna's vines are cultivated using the alberello system to best withstand the climatic conditions of the area and are grown on terraces supported by lava stone.

The northern slope is the area richest in red grape varieties, Nerello Mascalese first and foremost, Nerello Cappuccio and a small part of Alicante. On the eastern slope, in the municipality of Milo, the best Carricante grapes grow, from whose nectar the prestigious Etna Bianco DOC is made. In this area, the climate is almost hostile to vine cultivation, an exceptional case being Carricante, which prefers cold, rainy climates and has found its ideal environment in these soils. The eastern area is reserved for the so-called mountain vines because they stand out for their floral aromatic profile and explosive freshness, to the point that without full malolactic fermentation they would be unripe. The southern side is the sunniest, where the soil derives from eruptions in different periods; this gives rise to different quantities of vines grown above 1000 metres.

The Regulations

This important wine is produced in the province of Catania in the municipalities of: Biancavilla, S. Maria di Licodia, Paternò, Belpasso, Nicolosi, Pedara, Trecastagni, Viagrande, Aci S. Antonio, Acireale, S. Venerina, Giarre, Mascali, Zafferana, Milo, S. Alfio, Piedimonte, Linguaglossa, Castiglione and Randazzo. It is made from at least 60% of Carricante grapes, a maximum of 40% of Catarratto and no more than 15% of other non-aromatic white grapes, such as Trebbiano and Minnella Bianca. Etna Bianco Superiore is produced exclusively in the municipality of Milo and can be awarded this qualification on the condition that at least 80% of the vines are Carricante and that the overall alcohol content exceeds 11.5 degrees. The specifications, which are scrupulously followed by the best wineries as in the case of Etna Bianco Graci, also establish the characteristics related to colour, smell and taste. In fact, it must have a straw-yellow hue with possible golden reflections due to ageing, a delicate and characteristic bouquet and a dry, fresh and harmonious taste. It can be aged, as well as in steel and cement, in wooden barrels or in terracotta amphorae, and give all different expressions of great personality.

On Callmewine you will find a wide selection of Etna DOC Bianco at competitive prices, followed by a graphic chart, wine pairings and serving suggestions. Buy the best bottles online and allow yourself to be conquered by their unique taste.