Monteleone 2024 Etna Bianco 750mL

If ever there was a wine made to be sipped by the sea, or to make you think you are by the sea, this is it. There is a lovely saline aroma on the nose, with classic oyster-shell minerality and citrus on the palate. One glass will never be enough.

The 100% Carricante grapes come from vineyards on the Eastern and Northern slopes of the volcano. The Eastern slope, at 900m altitude, is characterised by its rich volcanic sand and ash soils, but also the influence of the Ionian sea, which makes this area the rainiest in Sicily. The vineyard on the Northern slope sits at 500m altitude, 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. The heron and reeds on the label can both be found near the river.

The grapes are picked by hand early in the morning to maintain their freshness. The wine is aged on fine lees for 6 moths in a mix of concrete and stainless steel, followed by at least 6 months in bottle before release.

Excellent now, but will hold it's fresh character well, so don't feel rushed to drink it.

Delicious on its own, or pair with summer salads or seafood.