Best Metropolitan City of Catania Wine Appellation Types
Belonging to Etna DOC, this white Italian wine is predominantly produced with Carricante grape variety, which is grown on the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. Lively and acidic Etna wine is typically straw yellow, with characteristic floral, citrus, and mineral notes.
Though it is rarely aged, oak maturation can help develop a full-bodied, creamier flavor. It can match a variety of dishes, but it works especially well with seafood, particularly in combination with pasta. Pair it with classic Sicilian pasta chî sàrdi or sarde a beccafico.
THE BEST Etna Bianco Wine Appellations
The principal grape variety in this light to medium-bodied red Sicilian wine is Nerello Mascalese, which is grown on the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. Ruby red Rosso belongs to the Etna DOC, which also encompasses lively and acidic Bianco wines.
Fresh and energetic Etna Rosso typically displays notes and aromas of dark fruit and spices. They usually have balanced tannins and bright acidity, which makes them work well with various dishes. They naturally pair with dishes based on tomato sauce, but they can also match traditional Sicilian fish and meat specialities.
THE BEST Etna Rosso Wine Appellations
Cerasuolo di Vittoria is a Sicilian appellation that is currently the only one with a DOCG status. Located in the south of Sicily, the appellation produces red wines with a blend of Nero d’Avola, which mainly provides weight and body, and Frappato—which contributes to the lighter and fruity character of the wine.
These ruby red wines will typically display fruity notes of cherries, red berries, pomegranate, and plums. Aged varieties may develop heavier notes of tobacco, chocolate, or leather. Because of their well-structured, soft, and velvety tannins, these wines are incredibly food-friendly, and they can match appetizers, red or white meat, game, pasta, as well as fish dishes.
Best Metropolitan City of Catania Wine Appellation Producers
Tenuta delle Terre Nere is a renowned winery located on the northern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy. With over forty years of experience in the fine wine industry, the estate is dedicated to producing wines that purely express the refined and multifaceted microcosm of the Etna region.
Tenuta delle Terre Nere practices organic farming, emphasizing meticulous vineyard care to achieve ideal ripening conditions. This approach ensures that minimal intervention is needed in the cellar, allowing the inherent qualities of the grapes and their specific microclimates to shine through in the wines.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 99 points
2024
BEST Tenuta delle Terre Nere Wines
Girolamo Russo is a winery located in the village of Passopisciaro, on the northern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy. Re-established in 2005 by Giuseppe Russo in memory of his father, Girolamo, the winery embodies Giuseppe's commitment to preserving his family's traditional values while introducing innovative winemaking approaches.
The estate spans approximately 15 hectares of vineyards, situated between 650 and 780 meters above sea level, interspersed with hazelnut and olive groves. The vineyards are cultivated organically, employing traditional methods that have allowed these ancient vineyards, many over a century old, to thrive.
Best Metropolitan City of Catania Wine Appellations
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso Calderara Sottana Bellacolonna 2022 is a red wine made from the Nerello Mascalese grape variety, sourced from the Calderara Sottana vineyard on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. This vineyard is renowned for its mineral-rich volcanic soil, which contributes to the wine's unique character.
The 2022 vintage boasts vibrant and intense aromas of autumn spices, dried rose, and blood orange, evolving into notes of dried strawberries. On the palate, the wine offers crisp fruit flavors of wild berries and mineral undertones, supported by lively acidity.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 99 points
2024
Girolamo Russo San Lorenzo Etna Bianco 2022 is a distinguished white wine from the Etna DOC region in Sicily, Italy. This wine is crafted from a blend of 90% Carricante and 10% indigenous varieties such as Catarratto and Grecanico. In the glass, it presents a straw yellow color with light golden highlights.
The bouquet is fine and elegant, featuring typical citrus and floral notes, complemented by subtle spicy hints. On the palate, it is fresh and savory, with the acidity balancing the alcohol content, resulting in a persistent, long, and extremely mineral finish.
AWARDS
James Suckling - 98 points
2024
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