The WineSicily is widely known for its Reds these days, particularly those from the hot, hot, hot (i.e., popular) region around Mt Etna and the volcanic soils that surround it. But the whites are perhaps even more notable, at least in the near-term. This is a blend of five white grapes most of us have never heard of - Carricante, Catarratto, Grecanico, Inzolia and Minnella - but that we'll love swallowing.
Certified Organic, this grower is very transparent regarding their vineyard management practices, spraying a number of organic sprays to avoid molds, fungi and mildews, notably copper sulphate. They do fertalize their vineyards, which grow despite the poor, rapidly-draining soils - using organic fertilizers consisting of mostly manure treatments. But they also adhere to the practice of “green manure” - enriching the soils without any animal products. They achieve this by growing legumes (beans, lentils, chich peas, etc.) rich in nitrogen between alternate rows, then turning over the mature plants and folding them into the soil.
The Winery
As Italian wineries go, this is a youngster, as its first vintage was in 2002. Since then, however, it has led the charge as Etna wineries have become darlings of the Sommelier crowd. Like the region, the winery leverages two characteristics that make their wines notable - the black volcanic soils and the regional grape known as 'Nerello Mascalese' - a grape producing wines whose earthy characteristics have been described as showcasing "moon rock" (though the number of people who have ever had the opportunity to lick a moon rock is miniscule, it's the idea that counts, right?)
