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Explore the Best Wineries in Etna

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Biondi

Biondi

Discover a great history of the Biondi family - Preserving three vineyards since 1600

Etna DOC is a stunning wine appellation from Italy, that covers the slopes of Sicily's Mount Etna (the biggest active volcano in Europe). The appellation is famous for its unique volcanic terroir and distinctive wines. Despite the risk, winemakers are planting vineyards further and further up the volcano's slopes and producing exceptional wines.

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Vineyards around Etna Vulcano with mineral rich soils, Sicily wine region, Italy-2015-min

History of Etna Wine Appellation

The history of Etna's winemaking is closely connected to Sicily's development as a wine region. The first settlement on the island appeared in the Upper Paleolithic (20,000 years B.C.). However, ancient grapes are confirmed to be dated before people ever stepped on the island. 

Later, between 1 800 and 500 B.C., the Greeks colonized Sicily. They contributed a lot to viticulture and the methods of vinification. Apart from their expertise, they introduced new grapes like Grechetto, which is now called Grecanico and can be found in some areas of the Etna wine appellation.

In the 500s and 700s, the wines produced in the area of the Etna were honored. There are records of the extraordinary growth of viticulture in the area of Etna for the following centuries. Both the production and reputation of the wine of the Etna continued to increase, and likewise the trades. 

In 1968, Etna was recognized as the Controlled Denomination of Origin, the first DOC of Sicily and one of the oldest in Italy. Starting from the 90s, new local and international investors helped the appellation increase credibility.

Did You Know?

Wine has been produced in the area of Etna since antiquity. Even the mythology relating to the region has a close connection to the wine. The Sicels, who settled the island before the Greeks worshipped the God of wine Adranus. Later, the Greeks occupied the territory and started worshipping Dionysus for the same reason. The Romans that later came to live on Etna continued this mythological circle with their wine god Bacco. 

Etna’s wines were often mentioned in Greek mythology for their superior powers to heal, amuse, and relax. In Homer’s Odyssey, the myth says that it was an Etna wine that Ulysses offered to Polyphemus, the one-eyed Cyclops, to soothe him to sleep.

The volcanic terroir of Etna

One of the reasons Etna stands out is its rare terroir. The soils around vineyards are rocky, fast-draining, nutrient-poor, and mineral-rich (magnesium). Because of its volcanic origin, Etna's overall soil is a mix of decomposed lava, ash, and sand. These soils are the result of eruptions dating back millennia.

Etna

The Etna wine-producing zone is located around the eastern side of the volcano. Its unique topography creates a smooth spread of microclimates and changes depending on the sea level. We should mention that Etna's highest vineyards are dominated among the highest vineyards in Italy.

While ripeness is never a problem in Sicily, a location famous for its bright sunshine, Etna's higher spots are the only place on the island where the temperature drops quite low. However, the cooler temperatures are actually helpful and suggest the luxury of a longer ripening season.

Local grape varieties from Etna wine appellation

Etna wine appellation is home to so many indigenous grapes. The main red grape varieties grown in this area are Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio (Nerello Mantellato). Nerello Mascalese is an antique grape variety that already existed on the island when Greeks first appeared between the 8th and 5th centuries BC. It is an aromatic, thin-skinned grape that produces light-colored, fruity wines with crisp acidity.

Etna Rosso is the general phrase used to describe the red wines produced in Etna wine appellation. Historically, red and white grapes were mixed but since the mid-19th century, red and white grapes are being vinified separately.

Depending on the DOC regulations, Etna wines should have 80% of Nerello Mascalese and a maximum of 20% Nerello Cappuccio. It is optional if producers use other varieties but they should not be more than 10%. Mostly, winemakers add Carricante or Catarratto grapes from white varieties. 

The DOC's major white grape is Carricante, whose production dates back to the 9th century. Another white grape that is also used quite often is Catarratto with other minor varieties such as Trebbiano and Minnella.

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Food that pairs well with Etna Wine

1. Pasta chî sàrdi

Pasta chî sàrdi has an Arabic origin but is one of the Sicilian favorite dishes. It has an excellent mixture of flavors and textures and illustrates an ideal example of Sicily’s diverse culinary heritage. One of the essential parts of this dish is its sauce, which is made with the freshest possible sardines, wild fennel, pine nuts, and sultanas.

For the pasta, bucatini is the classic choice, but they also use bigoli or perciatelli for the thicker texture. Pasta with sardines is often associated with Palermo. The dish is excellent between March and September when wild fennel is in season. It's recommended to taste Pasta chî sàrdi with a glass of Etna wine.

Pasta Chî Sàrdi

2. Sarde a beccafico

Sarde a beccafico is a classic Sicilian dish that employs butterflied sardines that are prepared with parsley, toasted breadcrumbs, anchovies, raisins, and pine nuts. Most of the time, sardines are rolled to form into individual rolls and placed alongside bay leaves.

Another method employs two fillets that are sandwiched with the filling, and the whole mixture is usually fried. These delicious sardines can be enjoyed as a main meal, but they also can be a filling appetizer. Sarde a beccafico is found throughout Sicily and is best enjoyed with local Etna wines.

Top Places to Visit in Etna Wine Appellation

1.San Giovanni La Punta

San Giovanni La Punta is a beautiful commune on the slopes of Etna. The name San Giovanni comes from its supporter saint. In 1647 the town was sold by Philip IV of Spain to increase funds for the Spanish Court. Soon after, the towns of San Giovanni La Punta and San Gregorio were purchased by Giovanni Andrea Massa. Over the last fifty years, the town has become an important commercial center.

While you visit the town, you can see numerous worthy monuments and churches. The Mother Church (dedicated to San Giovanni Battista) was built around 1410 and became the Parish Church in 1418. Another stunning church is Ravanusa, which is located where San Giovanni La Punta borders the communes of Tremestieri Etneo and Sant’Agata Li Battiati.

2.The city of Tremestieri Etneo

Tremestieri Etneo is situated in a hilly zone dominated by the volcano. Its territory has been settled since ancient times and nowadays is one of the important places for commercial reasons.

At the beginning of the XVII century, the town had residents of over 1,200 people and seven churches. In 1641 the town was sold to Giovanni Andrea Massa. The settlement overcame many difficulties and finally improved links with neighboring towns and became more powerful.

The center of the Tremestieri Etneo still has traces of Catania. You can visit the beautiful Mother Church which is dedicated to the patron S. Maria Della Pace. The interior is divided into three naves with three apses, and visitors can admire the XVII century wooden statues.

3. Park of Monte Ceraulo

If you love admiring beautiful nature and walking into the woods, the Park of Monte Ceraulo should be the next place to visit on your list. It is located in the town of Mascalucia, where you can find an amazing mix of volcanic slopes and green fields. The Park of Monte Ceraulo was created from the lava flows, and its flora is part of Etna's forests.

While visiting the park, you can observe different plants such as oak, olive, orchids, and cyclamen. The forest is also the habitat of butterflies, birds, rabbits, goldfinch, and owls. You can also use the picnic areas and rest with your family.

Frequently Asked Questions About Etna Wine Appellation

What kind of wine is Etna Rosso?

Etna Rosso is a tasty red wine. It is made from two types of grapes: Nerello Mascalese (min. 80%) and Nerello Mantellato, also called Nerello Cappuccio (max. 20%). These grapes give the wine a pale red color and fresh aromas.

What kind of wine is Etna Bianco?

Etna Bianco is a white wine with light golden streaks from the Carricante grape. Its aroma is soft and typical for the Carricante grape. The taste is dry, fresh, and balanced. Etna Bianco is a fresh wine with the aromas of apples, pears, citrus, and flowers.

Map of Wineries in Etna

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Just getting started on your wine journey, or jumping back in?
Taste through a selection of a great local wines.

Wineries in Etna