Grape Variety: 89% Carricante, 11% Grecanico
Region: Etna, Sicily
ABV: 13%
Residual Sugar: 2 g/L
Wine Type: Dry
Closure: Synthetic
Vegetarian/Vegan: Yes/Yes
Contains Sulphites: Yes
Organic: No
Biodynamic: No
Case Size: 6 Bottles (75cl)
Winemaker: Salvo Rizzuto
The Al-Cantara Occhi di Ciumi Etna Sicily 2023 is an exquisite white wine that showcases the remarkable characteristics of Sicily’s Etna region. Crafted with 89% Carricante and 11% Grecanico, this wine is a perfect balance of freshness, minerality, and complexity. With an alcohol content of 13%, it offers a dry profile, making it ideal for those who appreciate crisp, vibrant wines.
This wine is wonderfully fresh, with enticing tropical fruit aromas and a marked minerality that perfectly complements the subtle spicy notes. The 2023 vintage benefits from a long, lingering finish, with a delicate hint of salinity that adds a unique dimension to the palate. The reductive winemaking technique used preserves the purity of the grapes, avoiding any contact with oxygen and minimising the use of sulphur.
On the palate, it is crisp and refreshing with well-defined citrus fruit, green apple, and subtle herbal notes. The minerality derived from the volcanic soils of Mount Etna adds depth and complexity, making each sip a discovery.
The grapes for this wine were gently crushed without being destemmed, ensuring minimal disruption to the delicate flavours. The must was clarified via sedimentation for 36 to 48 hours before fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at temperatures between 12 and 18°C, lasting 15 days. To enhance the wine’s texture and complexity, it was aged on its fine lees for five to nine months, avoiding the influence of oak to allow the true character of the Carricante variety and volcanic terroir to shine. After fermentation, the wine was racked twice to remove the gross lees, ensuring a clean and refined profile. A further year of bottle aging allowed for additional integration of flavors and a smoother mouthfeel.
The Al-Cantara Occhi di Ciumi Etna Sicily 2023 pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Its vibrant acidity and mineral character make it an excellent match for seafood, particularly shellfish and grilled fish. It also complements dishes like risotto, light pasta with fresh herbs, and vegetable-based dishes.
2023 Wine Enthusiast Best Buy
Gold Medal at the 2024 International Wine Challenge
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“An absolute delight – crisp, fresh, and so full of character. The minerality really shines through and makes it perfect with seafood.” – Sarah M.
“I love the complexity of this wine. The tropical notes paired with that lingering salty finish make it a standout from Sicily!” – Michael D.
“A beautiful expression of the volcanic terroir of Mount Etna. Refreshing, well-balanced, and perfect for a summer dinner.” – Emma L.
