Graci Etna Bianco 2020

Drink now or cellar for up to 5 years. Serve chilled.

The rich volcanic soils of Mount Etna on the island of Sicily are responsible for creating some of Italy’s most exciting modern wines like this example from Graci winery. In 2004 Alberto Graci decided to leave behind a promising career as a banker in Milan to take over the running of his family’s 2 hectares of vineyards at Passopisciaro on the northern slope of Etna. Such is his reputation for producing exceptional wines, he also serves as Vice President of the Consorzio covering the Etna DOC region.

Wines have been made in this part of Etna for several thousand years, with many of the vines still planted on their own roots and untouched by the phylloxera vine pest. For this cuvee Alberto sources Carricante and Catarratto grapes from a 2.5 hectare vineyard set 600 metres above sea level. He adopts a policy of minimal intervention in the vineyard and cellar, avoiding the use of herbicides and oak barrels in favour of natural solutions and big wooden casks called tini.

For this white wine the fruit is fermented in cement tanks and aged on the lees for 8 months to showcase the character of the vineyard and the natural purity of the grapes. Ripe peach, pineapple and bright citrus dominate on the nose along with hints of toasted almonds and freshly-baked bread. On the palate there’s a rich, creamy texture balanced by a bright core of fruit, making this a great match for a wide range of dishes including roast chicken, creamy cheeses, and risottos.