2023 Maugeri Etna Bianco Superiore DOC Contrada Volpare

About Maugeri:

“The winery of Renato Maugeri and his daughters Carla, Michela and Paola, in the rapid turn of three vintages, has established itself as one of the most significant of the appellation, a result that goes from microvinifications by vineyard to a complete hospitality system…” – Tre Bicchieri guide 2024

Over a decade ago, sisters Carla, Michela and Paola returned to their family’s ancestral property on the cooler, eastern slopes of Mount Etna in Milo – the only area where Etna Bianco Superiore can be made. The seven hectare farm of over 100 terraces of
vineyards is ringed by lava dry-stone walls that stretch from Contrada Volpare into Contrada Praino.

An exceptional amount of work went into replanting and recalibrating the old vineyards, positioning them for greatness under the watchful guidance of enologist Emiliano Falsini. Although Cantina Maugeri is in its infancy it is already a towering force on Etna.

About the wine:

100% Catarratto grapes grown in sandy decomposed lava soil near Milo, on the east side of Mount Etna. The vines were planted to a half hectare, north-facing nook within Contrada Volpare just before the ravine on the edge of Contrada Praino. The vines were planted in 2016 on dry, lava stone wall terraces surrounded by forest at about 700 metres above sea level. The grapes are harvested by hand in early October then taken to the cellar and left in the press at low temperature for 3 hours. The whole bunches are then softly pneumatic-pressed with 90% of the must fermented in French oak tonneaux of 500 litres and 10% in stainless steel. After fermentation the wine is aged on fine lees in tank for 8 months before bottling. Malo-lactic fermentation is not carried out.

Reviews:

"Thus those Catarratto grapes grown in Milo in the vineyard in Contrada Volpare at 700 meters above sea level, on the terraces facing north, give life to pure Catarratto for the first time in 2021. The 2022 presents itself with a brilliant straw yellow colour, a rich, explosive nose, almost reminiscent of a Sauvignon Blanc, but immediately makes its mountain identity unmistakable with its 700 meters of altitude and its sandy and rich in volcanic soil. minerals. Fresh, with hints of aromatic herbs which then leave room for notes of exotic fruits, passion fruit and grapefruit. The sip is juicy, broad but still leaves the signature of its terroir with acidity and a very strong flavour and very long finish. Only 2,500 bottles for this Catarratto that you don't expect.” - Francesca Landolina, Cronachedigusto

Region: Sicily

Country: Italy

Vintage: 2023

Size: 750ml

Varietal: Carricante