Etna, the most active and highest volcano in Europe, majestically dominates the eastern coast of Sicily and its slopes represent one of the most fascinating wine areas in Italy. In this unique volcanic territory with extraordinary characteristics, the native vines thrive thanks to a rare combination of environmental and climatic factors. The mineral-rich soil, the variable altitudes and the notable temperature variations create a perfect habitat for these grape varieties, allowing them to best express their distinctive characteristics and contributing to the production of top quality wines.
But let's see what are the most well-known native vines of this area with such singular characteristics.
The Nerello Mascalese is the red grape variety symbol of Etna. With its thin skin and refined tannins, gives rise to wines of notable structure and complexity, enriched by aromas of red fruits, spices and mineral hints. It stands out for its elegance and finesse, creating well-balanced wines with excellent aging potential. These wines are appreciated for their aromatic depth, which includes notes of cherry, tobacco and spice, as well as a characteristic mineral vein derived from the volcanic ash.
Often used in blends with Nerello Mascalese, the Nerello Cappuccio adds color and softness to the wines of Etna. With its hints of ripe fruit and delicate aromatic profile, it contributes to the complexity of Etna wines. Very little is known about the origins of this vine but it seems it has been cultivated since the 1950s in the Messina area.
The Carricante It is the main white grape variety of Etna, known for its freshness and longevity. It produces wines with a marked acidity, aromas of citrus, green apple and mineral notes, perfect for bottle aging. It is the same very productive nature of the vine that gives it the name of "Caricanti" or "able to fill the carts". It is a vine particularly widespread on the eastern side of Etna and its wines have a marked minerality which well reflects the nature of the soil in which the vine grows.
The Catarratto is another native white grape variety that brings body and structure to the white wines of Etna. Although it is more widespread in the Trapani area, on the slopes of Etna Catarratto manages to express itself in a new way with greater freshness and minerality, expressing aromas of white flowers, yellow fruit and a touch of almond.
Last but not least is the grape variety Minnella. This native vine is grown exclusively in the Etna region. It is mainly present in old vineyards, where it shares space with Nerello Mascalese and Carricante.
Minnella can be used in the production of Etna DOC wines up to a maximum of 10%, in combination with Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Carricante. Winemakers who choose to grow Minnella and include it in their blends are custodians of a wine heritage which risks disappearing, promoting a grape variety yet to be discovered and valorized.
THE'Etna DOC It is a controlled designation of origin that represents excellence anduniqueness of the wines produced on the slopes of Etna.
As already mentioned, the combination of variable altitudes, optimal solar exposure and significant temperature variations between day and night contributes to a slow and uniform ripening of the grapes, while preserving the acidity and aromatic integrity of the fruit. The wines produced under the Etna DOC denomination are known for their extraordinary complexity, freshness and aging capacity, accurately reflecting the essence of the Etna territory.
This denomination not only guarantees high quality standards, but also protects the local winemaking tradition, promoting cultivation and winemaking techniques that respect the environment and enhance the peculiarities of the volcanic landscape. Through the Etna DOC, the wines of Etna are recognized and appreciated internationally, representing a true wine heritage which celebrates the richness and diversity of the Sicilian terroir.
The Etna DOC specification includes different types of wine:
Heroic viticulture is a term that describes the winemaking practices in extreme conditions, such as those present on Etna. The characteristics of the Etna territory make viticulture a daily challenge due to the following factors:
The heroic viticulture of Etna is not only a question of technique, but also of passion and dedication. Local winemakers work with respect for nature and tradition, producing wines that are an authentic expression of a unique and fascinating territory.
The wines of Etna represent a oenological heritage of great value, the fruit of a unique territory and heroic viticulture. The native vines, the volcanic terroir and the dedication of the winemakers combine to create extraordinary wines, capable of telling the story and soul of the slopes of Etna.
Visiting Etna and tasting its wines is an unforgettable experience: it is in this unique place that the sun guides the grapes to perfect ripeness, which will then create wines that know how to excite. Like the line of the Extreme wine line: de La Gelsomina: a line that embodies a sensory journey through the flavours, aromas and beauty of this breathtaking landscape.
ITA ITA 
EN
