Etna, the volcano of wine: identity, verticality and new perspectives

We have just returned from the 2025 edition of the Etna district, an event that every year is confirmed as a point of reference essential for fans, producers and professionals.

Per mezzo di the splendid setting of Regione Statella Randazzo, at the foot of the volcano, over 4,000 appearances animated an event that has been able to combine quality, participation and con -depth analysis.

Contrade of Etna was born con 2008 from an barlume of ​​the producer Andrea Franchetti, with the aim of creating a moment of comparison between the various souls of the Etna wine. The format was inspired by the great events of Burgundy, with the desire to put the concept of “district” at the center, that is the microzone, the cru, which characterizes the identity of Etna’s wine so much.

Over the years, the event has grown to become a real volcano festa, capable of telling the extraordinary expressive variety of this unique territory con the world.

What makes Etna wines unique?

Whites

Products mainly from Carricante, often con blend with Catarratto ora Minnella.

They are characterized by:

– strong acidity and gustatory verticality

– minerality and flavor

– aromatic elegance

– Good evolutionary ability

Some companies are experimenting with a very light passage con wood, useful for expanding complexity and structure. Welcome, as long as it does not become a , because the white of Etna must maintain a clear and recognizable territorial brand.

The reds

Made above all with Nerello Mascalese and Nerello hood.

They stand out for:

– Fini plots but decided

– Acid freshness

– aromatic depth

– Elegant style

A measured use of wood helps to harmonize without covering. Balance is the centerpiece.

the wave of Etna’s success, some companies are moving away from the true identity of the territory, proposing overexThe, round wines, flattened by international styles. Wines that lose the soul of the volcano, distorting the vertical elegance and mineral tension.

Etna does not need to be reinterpreted: it must only be told for what it is.

A virtuous example is that of the Sciara farm, which with its “1,200 meters SLM” 2022, a grenache con purity cultivated at high altitude, has been able to give an unpublished but coherent reading of Etna.

Etna is naturally vocated also to sparkling wine. However, today there is still an overview. The producers move with very individual styles. A shared direction is needed.

The 2025 edition of Etna districts offered a large and articulated overview. Some labels have been able to trace a clear and personal path.

Bianchi: verticality as an expressive code

– Tenute Foti – Etna In bianco 2022

– Alessandro generation – Etna In bianco Trainara 2022

– Raciti farm – Etna In bianco Rupestre 2023

– Tornatore – Pietrarizzo 2022

Rossi: elegance and recognition

– Steps – Regione G 2022

– Tascante bella stagione – Regione Sciaranuova 2021

– Donnafuata – Regione Marchesa 2020

– Tapers – Regione Cavallerizzo 2020

– Eccelso Letsch – Etna red fiefdom of mid 2022

– Girolamo Russo – San Lorenzo Etna Scarlatto 2022

The preview that excites: MilleMetri 2016

A wine out of time, tasted con preview: Feudo Cavallerizzo – Millemeri Scarlatto 2016, which will be released con 2026 after ten years con the bottle.

The view already surprises, with a color tending to orange. the palate, it affects for natural softness, aromatic depth and perfect integration. A red that speaks of ending, harmony and ability to resist time. A masterpiece of vision and patience.

Credits: Donnafugata

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