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Etna Bianco
Grape variety: Carricante 100%
Denomination: Etna Doc.
Soil, altitude and location: The grapes come from the Eastern and Northern slopes of the volcano. The Eastern slope is characterized by its rich soils, composed of volcanic sand and ash, but also thanks to the influence of the Ionian sea, which makes this area the rainiest in Sicily. The grapes are cultivated at an altitude that rises to 900 meters a.s.l., within the town-limits of Sant’Alfio. The vineyard on the Northern slope sits 500 meters a.s.l., within the town-limits of Castiglione di Sicilia.
Here, the influence of the Alcantara River, flowing just a few meters from the vineyard, is strong: the soil is still volcanic, but with 20% of clay and limestone.
Year of implantation and training system: The Northern vineyard , planted in 2019, is trained in the traditional Alberello Etneo (bush-tree) system. The Eastern, was planted in 2012, trained in the counter-espalier system, and pruned in Guyot system.
Harvest and fermentation: Manual harvest in the early morning and delivery to the cellar in 10 kg crates. After destemming, the grapes are gently pressed and, after 48 hours of natural settling, the juice ferments in stainless steel tanks.
Maturation: The wine is aged on fine lees for 6 months, spending time in both stainless steel and concrete tanks. After another 6 months in bottle, the wine is ready for release.