Graci Etna Bianco DOC 2023
Graci
Alberto Ferrara's Graci estate farms pre-phylloxera vines at high altitude on Etna's north slope, producing wines of remarkable tension and purity. The 2023 Etna Bianco from Carricante grapes delivers volcanic terroir in the glass — mineral, saline, and vibrating with energy. This is one of Italy's great white wine values.
Nose
White peach and lemon blossom lead, with a distinct flinty minerality from the volcanic soils. Hints of fresh herbs and green almond appear with air, and there is a saline quality that suggests the nearby Mediterranean.
Palate
Lean and precise with citrus and green apple supported by a chalky mineral texture. The acidity is bright and focused, driving the wine forward without harshness. A subtle nuttiness adds complexity at the edges.
Finish
Clean and persistent, with lingering citrus, mineral, and a faintly bitter almond close.
- Varietal
- Carricante
- Blend
- Predominantly Carricante with a small percentage of Catarratto
- Vineyards
- Contrada Arcurìa and surrounding parcels, north slope of Mount Etna, 600-800m elevation
- Alcohol
- 12.5%
- Organic / Biodynamic
- No
- Skin Contact
- No
Food Pairing
The wine's bright acidity and saline minerality mirror the ocean character of raw branzino, while citrus notes echo the lemon garnish and capers add a savory counterpoint.
Alberto Ferrara returned to his family's century-old vineyards on Etna's north slope in 2004, farming ungrafted Carricante vines planted in volcanic ash at elevations above 700 meters.
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