Wine Details

Cottanera Etna Bianco DOC

A pure expression of Mt. Etna, the Etna Bianco is 100% Caricante, an ancient Sicilian white grape variety, thought to have been growing on the volcanic slopes of Mt. Etna for at least a thousand years. Planted at high altitudes on the steep slopes of Mt. Etna, the grapes ripen slowly and steadily throughout the long growing season. On the nose, the Etna Bianco is bursting with citrus notes of lemon and cedar with orange blossom and jasmine. A full-bodied palate is supported by the marked acidity typical of this variety, imparting freshness and a long finish.

Region:

Producer:

Cottanera

Classification:

Etna DOC

Variety:

100% Carricante

Number of bottles produced:

30,000 bottles

Production area:

Contrada Cottanera e Diciassettesalme, Castiglione di Sicilia

Altitude:

720-750 meters (2362-2460 feet) a.s.l.

Age of vines:

15-20 years

Yield:

6,500 kg/ha

Training:

Espalier

Vinification:

Cold maceration for about 24 hours, followed by cold setting. Temperature-controlled (16°C /61°F) fermentation in stainless steel, for 20-25 days.

Refining:

Stainless steel on lees for about 6 months, followed by bottle aging

Alcohol content:

12.5%

pH level:

3.38

Acidity:

5.5 g/l

Soil:

Lava-alluvial and lava clay

Harvest:

Last week of September - manual, with small crates

Recent press reviews

91

Cottanera Etna Bianco DOC 2022

James Suckling (91)- "This has notes of lemons, chamomile and sweet basil. It’s bright and fruity, with a medium body and fresh, creamy finish. Carricante."

92

Cottanera Etna Bianco DOC 2021

Wine Advocate (92)- "The team at Cottanera have really honed in their talents and experience when it comes to making white wine with the extremely popular Carricante grape. From a good vintage, their 2021 Etna Bianco is super zesty and fresh with all kinds of exciting citrusy and mineral notes. Winemaking sees cryomaceration and nine months of aging on the fine lees in stainless steel. This is such a fun, and easy wine to drink, especially if a summer sunset or beach panorama is on the schedule. Production is 40,000 bottles."

92

Cottanera Etna Bianco DOC 2021

Wine Enthusiast (92)- "White peaches and apricots appear on the nose before contouring notes of limes and pencil eraser. Mixed citrus and more white peaches mingle on the palate, and a through line of acid balances the dense fruit for a lovely tension."