Graci Arcuria Etna Bianco 2022

Graci farms this Carricante on the northern face of Mount Etna, in the village of Passopisciaro at around 600 metres above sea level, from the Contrada Arcuria within the Alcantara Valley. The soils are volcanic sands rich in iron and nitrogen, and the altitude brings a wide gap between warm days and cold nights. That diurnal range slows ripening and locks in the high natural acidity that defines Etna whites, while the free draining volcanic sands lend a smoky, saline minerality. The wine is aged for twelve months in concrete tanks and barrels, then a further twelve months in bottle. Concrete and older barrels give a slow, gentle oxygen exchange that adds texture and depth without any obvious oak flavour, and the long bottle age lets the wine knit together before release. It shows a pale straw colour, with lemon, green apple and white peach on the nose over a stony, smoky note. The palate is high in acid and taut, with citrus fruit, a saline volcanic edge and a long mineral finish. Serve at 10 to 12 degrees in a white wine glass. It suits grilled fish, shellfish and vegetable dishes.