Eduardo Torres Versante Nord Bianco 2024

Eduardo Torres Acosta is a Canary Island winemaker who settled in Sicily in 2012 and works a handful of old plots on the north face of Etna, which he is recovering and farming biodynamically. Versante Nord Bianco is a field blend led by Minella Bianca with Carricante, Catarratto, Coda di Volpe, Grecanico and Inzolia. The volcanic soils here are a mix of decomposed lava, ash and sand, free-draining and mineral-rich, and Etna's altitude gives cool nights and a long growing season that preserve acidity and aromatic detail. The blend is aged for eight months in oak barrels, which broadens the texture and softens the wine's edges while the used wood adds structure rather than overt vanilla. Biodynamic farming and native yeast keep the expression tied to the site. The wine is pale straw with a green tint. The nose shows lemon, green apple and white peach over dried herbs and a smoky, volcanic minerality. The palate is dry and taut, its citrus and orchard fruit carried by high acidity and a saline, faintly almondy finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees. It works with grilled white fish, shellfish and green salads.