The late postcard: Etna

Now that I’m back – and under strict doctor’s orders to avoid alcohol and fatty/spicy food (very confused about what to eat and drink now) – it’s probably a great time to finish off this little note.

What makes the divergence more pronounced is the terroir itself – the vineyards are planted on black volcanic rock that was spewed up, in some cases, only a century ago, the landscape changing whenever Etna decides to do some renovations with lava.

Etna has its own microclimates too, with the vineyards planted from basically the foothills at 450m altitude right up to the lower slopes of the volcano proper at 1100m. In turn there is a spectrum of styles explored, ranging from light and crisp Carricante and Catarratto based Etna Bianco right through to powerful and Pinot-like Nerello Mascalese/Nerello Cappuccio blends.

Of all the wines tried it was these two that illustrated the personalities best.

100% Carricante from a range of old vines dotted all over the northern side of the mountain. This is fermented in old barrels for roughly 12 months and spends 6 months in bottle before release.

A delicate, lemon cream and waxy wine, the palate just touched with oak but otherwise fresh and crystal pure. There’s a coolness here that defies the Sicily heat, the palate dry and clean and vital, with just a little waxy vanilla to suggest it had ever seen a barrel. Intriguing marzipan and wheat beer meets lemon flavours too.

Delicious long and quite pure, it’s not ridiculously complex but the balance and intensity is seriously unquestioned. Reminds me a little of a good, waxy Chenin (and bloody good value at circa €15). 18/20, 93/100