Etna Bianco from a local grape grown on volcanic vineyards is now emerging as one of Italy’s top wines after years of obscurity. A distinct citrus tone on the nose is backed up on the palate. Full flavoured in the mouth with flinty mineral tones on the long, balanced finish.

• Country: Italy
• Region: Etna
• Grape: Carricante
• Style: White
• Alcohol: 12.5 %
• Bottle size: 75cl
• Other: Vegetarian

The wines produced from the vineyards surrounding the Etna volcano are the new, re-discovered wines of the last decade. In the 1990s Etna was on its death bed with just a handful of producers. Then in the 2000s the region and the local grape varieties were recognised as being capable of making great wines. Whilst most of the recognition has been for the Rosso, the Bianco is clearly just as good. The vineyards are all in local districts called Contrada, each of which has different characteristics to bring to its wines. Cottanera was founded in the 1990s by Guglielmo Cambria together with his brother Enzo and is now recognised as being one of the key wineries that sparked the Etna revival. The Carricante grape is grown almost entirely in Sicily and mainly in the Etna area. It is typified by its good levels of acidity ensuring the freshness of the wine.

WHEN ITS GONE ITS GONE