Masseria Setteporte N’ettaro Etna Bianco 2024

Masseria Setteporte farm on Mount Etna, the great active volcano of eastern Sicily, where vines grow at altitude on black volcanic soils. This Etna Bianco blends Carricante, the island's fine high-acid white grape, with Catarratto, both worked organically. Etna's volcanic terroir defines the wine: free-draining lava and ash soils, rich in minerals, combine with the height of the vineyards and wide swings between warm days and cold nights to hold ripening back, so the grapes keep bright acidity and a smoky, saline minerality. Carricante in particular gives sharp green apple and citrus with a stony, almost briny edge. Three months on the lees adds a little texture and savoury weight while keeping oak away and the fruit clear. The wine is pale in the glass, with green apple, lemon and white peach on the nose over citrus peel, white flowers and a saline lift. The palate is dry and taut, carrying orchard fruit through a long, mineral finish with a faint almond note. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees in a standard white glass.