Sicily’s Etna Wines: the “Island within the Island”

Written by Amber Cassese

There are few wine regions in the world that offer the kind of raw beauty and wild energy that Sicily’s Etna does. Dominating Sicily’s eastern coast, this active volcano has become one of the most exciting and important (wine) growing zones in the world, responsible for the creation of iconic, world-class wines, with such incredible elegance, they continue to top everyone’s “Best” lists. Here’s what makes it so special.

Shaped by Fire and Ash

Etna, or Mungibeddu (meaning beautiful mountain) to the locals, is the largest active volcano in Europe, towering 10,900 feet above sea level and erupting at least once a year. Its slopes are a diverse patchwork of mineral-rich soils shaped by volcanic ash, pumice, gravel, lava rock, and sand. Up until about 3,000 feet, vineyards blanket the slopes, enjoying the crisp, clean air of the untouched hills just about an hour from Catania. Often, the vines for Etna wines are very old, even up to 100 year old, and have dug deep, deep down, in search of nourishment and water, finding their elegant, complex side. The high-altitude climate is mostly continental and much cooler than the rest of Sicily with vast temperature changes between day and night. These unique conditions create an exceptional environment for grape cultivation.

Sicily’s Etna Wines: How Native Grapes Thrive in Wild Conditions

Native grapes used in Etna wines, such as Carricante (white) or Nerello Mascalese (red) truly thrive in the pristine air, having evolved with the volcano’s extreme conditions over the centuries. Carricante grapes grow best on the eastern slopes, thanks to cooler temperatures, higher rainfall, and some seaside influence, as it faces the Ionian sea. What we get are crisp, saline whites with notes of lemon peel, wild herbs, and crushed rocks. Nerello Mascalese grows best on the northern side, which offers volcanic soils, excellent sunlight, and brisk winds, thus a long slop ripening period (harvest usually takes place in October). This leads to elegant reds with red berries, dried rose petals, and a hint of volcanic ash. Known as the Burgundy of Italy for its distinct style and Contrada classifications, which remind of French crus, the wines here are totally unlike any other in Sicily, full of elegance, minerality, one-of-a-kind aromatics, complexity and vibrant acidity.

Come for the Scenery, Stay for the Wine

Visiting the wineries of Sicily’s Etna wines is a special treat that combines the warmth of Sicilian hospitality with expert winemaking. And the high-altitude vineyards leave a lasting impression that will turn you into a devoted fan in no time. For the wine connoisseur, our somm adores everything about family-owned Pietradolce, a young award-winning winery with a beautiful cellar, built totally of lava rock. It has a rooftop garden conceived to blend in with the wild landscape and help regulate the internal conditions of the wine rooms. Some of their wines come from old bush-trained vines (alberello), some over 100 years old, growing at nearly 2,700 feet above the sea. Their cru wines have become benchmarks for the region, with several reds and a few whites.