Etna Bianco Ante | Custodi delle Vigne dell'Etna

Etna Bianco Ante | Custodi delle Vigne dell'Etna

Sale price€34,00
White
Sicily (IT)
Etna Bianco DOC
Carricante (90%), Grecanico, Minnella
Enjoy it within 4 years
12,5% ABV
Download as PDF

Production and refinement

The grapes come from vineyards located on the slopes of Etna, between 750 and 1,200 meters in altitude, on sandy volcanic soils extremely rich in minerals. The wine is made primarily from Carricante (about 90%), accompanied by Grecanico and Minnella, historic local varieties that contribute to the aromatic balance of the blend. The vines have an average age of around 40 years and are cultivated using the traditional bush vine system, on volcanic soils that give the grapes an extraordinary mineral tension. Harvesting is carried out strictly by hand between late September and early October, selecting only perfectly ripe grapes.

In the winery, the production philosophy is artisanal and minimally interventionist. The grapes are pressed whole with a gentle pressing to preserve aromatic integrity and finesse. Alcoholic fermentation occurs spontaneously in stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts, maintaining a respectful approach to the raw material. The wine then continues maturing for several months on fine lees in steel, with a small portion potentially aging in tonneau, developing complexity and depth without losing freshness. Finally, it undergoes about six months of bottle aging, necessary to harmonize all components and allow the wine to express itself with elegance.

Organoleptic analysis

Visual exam

In the glass, it shows a bright straw yellow, crossed by greenish reflections that hint at freshness and vitality.

Olfactory examination

The bouquet is refined and complex: citrus, ripe apple, and peach emerge, accompanied by elegant floral notes, wild herbs, anise, and green almond. In the background, the mineral and saline signature of the volcanic soil can be perceived, giving depth and personality to the aromatic profile.

Tasting

On the palate the wine is taut, fresh, and vibrant, supported by a pronounced sapidity that immediately recalls the Etna terroir. The structure is balanced and dynamic, with an elegant progression on the palate that leads to a long, slightly almond-tinged finish of great finesse and precision.

Contents index

From the vineyard to the table: discover our wine

Ready for a journey to discover Etna Bianco Ante | Custodi delle Vigne dell'Etna ? We will now take you to delve deeper into every aspect of this exceptional wine through three key sections:

Cellar

Come and learn about the history and values ​​of the winery which passionately grows and transforms grapes into wine

Territory

Immerse yourself in the land that gives life to these unique grapes, discovering the climate and terroir that influence its character

Pairings

Get expert advice on the perfect pairings that will enhance both the wine and your meal

The winery

Country: Italy

Region: Sicily, Catania

Hectares of vineyards: 5

I Custodi delle Vigne dell'Etna

Sicily, with its captivating landscape marked by the imposing Etna, represents a unique wine-growing microcosm. Mario Paoluzi, a Roman by birth but an Etnean by adoption, has found his true passion in the combination of these elements. The ancient vineyards, supported by chestnut poles and cultivated on volcanic soil, not only define the region's aesthetics but also embody a deep and respectful approach to viticulture. Preserving the territory means safeguarding the richness of the soil and keeping wine-growing traditions alive. Mario has embraced these principles by launching a project focused on cultivating native grape varieties, grown exclusively in the bush-training system.

These historic vineyards are located in the most vocated areas of Etna, where the wine-growing tradition is rooted in the local history and culture. The winery has been designed with a keen eye on environmental sustainability. All vineyard work is done by hand, adhering to the traditional methods that have characterized Etnean viticulture for centuries. The winemakers are committed to natural and organic cultivation, avoiding synthetic chemical products.

I Custodi delle Vigne dell'Etna

This approach not only preserves the integrity of the volcanic soil but also ensures a deep respect for the local community and the environment. The wines produced by Mario Paoluzi are a celebration of the generosity of Etna's volcanic soil. The combination of minerality, the fresh air of the "Muntagna," and the warmth of the Sicilian sun contributes to the creation of complex wines with great character. Each bottle tells the story of healthy, mature vines that thrive in a unique habitat.

Producing wine on Etna requires time, resources, and commitment. There are no shortcuts in this process; every step is guided by passion and the desire to pass down tradition to future generations. Through his work, Mario Paoluzi not only produces quality wines but also strives to keep the roots of this extraordinary territory alive, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same beauty and generosity that captivated him. Etnean wines, therefore, represent not just a product but a sensory experience that speaks of history, tradition, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability.

Region and territory

A land kissed by the sun

Sicily

A land kissed by the sun

Sicily

A land kissed by the sun

Sicily

Sicilian wine territory is now considered a true continent, thanks to its pedoclimatic variability and rich biodiversity. It is located in the center of the Mediterranean and in the so-called "northern sunbelt," an area between the 30th and 50th parallels north and the 30th and 40th parallels south, where the best conditions of brightness and temperature for vine cultivation are found.

On the smaller islands, given the high temperatures and windy conditions, the typical training system is the "alberello" and its "mixed" versions (for example, on the island of Pantelleria), as well as the "Tendone" system. In the rest of Sicilian territory, however, more than half of the vineyards use espaliers and contre-espaliers. In Sicily, wines with a long history are born, such as Marsala, but also fragrant dessert wines like Passito di Pantelleria and Malvasia delle Lipari, not to mention Moscato di Noto and numerous robust red wines and interesting white wines. There's also Nerello Mascalese, climbing the slopes of Mount Etna.

Etna

Mount Etna is a wine region that offers unique wines in the world.
Thousands of years of powerful eruptions, complex transformations, and ongoing volcanic events have made the soil that hosts the vineyards the key element from which springs that exclusive and unparalleled complexity, essential for a wine, the Etna wine, increasingly famous worldwide.

In the Etna area, there are substantial microclimatic differences between one zone and another of the volcano, due to the particular position of Mount Etna and its morphology. The territory, the microclimate, the volcanic soil rich in minerals, together with the peculiarity of the native grape varieties, favor the production of unique wines.

Etna wine was the first Sicilian table wine to obtain recognition as a Controlled Designation of Origin (DOC).
Mount Etna, with its millennia-old history of eruptions and volcanic transformations, confers upon its wines a unique complexity in the world.

Recommended pairings and dishes

Matching by concordance

Ante pairs beautifully with dishes that share the same aromatic finesse and Mediterranean character. Notes of citrus, herbs, and white fruit are echoed in preparations of fresh fish, seafood carpaccios, summer vegetables, or delicate first courses. The wine’s mineral and saline component also finds a natural match in seafood cruditès and in dishes where the flavor of the sea is the main focus.

Matching by contrast

One can take advantage of the pronounced acidity and volcanic minerality of this wine by pairing it with richer or slightly oily dishes, such as seasoned grilled fish, shellfish, or preparations with delicate sauces. The wine’s freshness cleanses the palate and renews the aromatic perception of the dish, making the tasting dynamic and harmonious. By contrast, it can also be successfully paired with dishes that have a slight sweetness.

It pairs well with

Seafood cuisine, pasta first courses with fish or vegetable sauces, refined risottos such as saffron risotto, raw fish cruditès, tartares, light salads with goat cheese, or aromatic dishes of Mediterranean cuisine. It is a versatile wine, perfect both for a high-class aperitif and for accompanying an elegant fish-based dinner.

Matching by concordance

Ante pairs beautifully with dishes that share the same aromatic finesse and Mediterranean character. Notes of citrus, herbs, and white fruit are echoed in preparations of fresh fish, seafood carpaccios, summer vegetables, or delicate first courses. The wine’s mineral and saline component also finds a natural match in seafood cruditès and in dishes where the flavor of the sea is the main focus.

Matching by contrast

One can take advantage of the pronounced acidity and volcanic minerality of this wine by pairing it with richer or slightly oily dishes, such as seasoned grilled fish, shellfish, or preparations with delicate sauces. The wine’s freshness cleanses the palate and renews the aromatic perception of the dish, making the tasting dynamic and harmonious. By contrast, it can also be successfully paired with dishes that have a slight sweetness.

It pairs well with

Seafood cuisine, pasta first courses with fish or vegetable sauces, refined risottos such as saffron risotto, raw fish cruditès, tartares, light salads with goat cheese, or aromatic dishes of Mediterranean cuisine. It is a versatile wine, perfect both for a high-class aperitif and for accompanying an elegant fish-based dinner.

Salmon Tartare

A starter of raw fish with a unique refinement, rich in flavor and aromas yet very delicate and soft. It can be enhanced with avocado, toasted almonds, oil, lemon juice, or even chives.

Seafood Risotto

Mussels, clams, squid, shrimp... A classic dish, perfect for special occasions and all seasons, relatively easy to prepare, delicate, of medium structure, and very elegant.

Etna Bianco Ante | Custodi delle Vigne dell'Etna , did you like it?

Tell us about it by clicking here

Etna Bianco Ante | Custodi delle Vigne dell'Etna , did you like it?

Tell us about it by clicking here