Etna, on the slopes of Sicily's active volcano, has become one of Italy's most exciting wine regions. Reds from Nerello Mascalese (with Nerello Cappuccio) are pale, perfumed and mineral — often likened to a sun-kissed Barolo or Burgundy — while whites from Carricante are taut, saline and ageworthy. High-altitude vineyards on black volcanic soils, some with ancient ungrafted vines, give wines of remarkable freshness and terroir expression.
Structure
| Body | Etna's volcanic soils, altitude and old vines yield elegant, high-acid, mineral wines unlike anything else in southern Italy. Nerello Mascalese gives red cherry, dried herbs, smoke and ash; Carricante gives green apple, citrus and a smoky, saline cut. Single-contrada (cru) bottlings showcase the mountain's varied lava flows. |
|---|---|
| Acidity | High, fresh. |
| Tannin | Medium, fine in the reds. |
| Finish | Long and mineral, with red fruit, smoke and ash (red). |
| Aroma | Red cherry, dried herbs, smoke, ash and volcanic mineral. |
Serving: 15–17°C reds; 10–12°C whites. · Decanting: Brief airing for young reds.
Etna drinking window
| Tier | Drinking window |
|---|---|
| Everyday Etna | Drink within 2–6 years. |
| Premium / contrada | Best 5–15 years. |
| Top old-vine cru | 10–25 years. |
| Vintage | Drinking window |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Drinking well now. |
| 2019 | Hold to 2031. |
| 2021 | Drink now to 2033. |
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Etna — questions answered
Why is Etna compared to Barolo and Burgundy?
Its Nerello Mascalese reds are pale, perfumed, high-acid and mineral, with an elegance and terroir transparency reminiscent of fine Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir.
What grapes grow on Etna?
Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio for reds; Carricante for taut, mineral, ageworthy whites.
What are contrade?
Etna's named single-vineyard districts (crus), each reflecting a distinct lava flow, altitude and soil on the volcano's slopes.
What food pairs with Etna reds?
Duck, mushrooms, roast chicken and lighter game suit their elegant, mineral, medium-bodied style.