Mount Etna is Europe’s highest volcano and one of the world’s most active. ‘a Muntagna, as the locals call it, is rich in mineral components and the microclimate – cool nights, warm days and wide ranging temperature variations – endow the wines with extraordinary richness, minerality, fragrance and depth. After World War II many of the vineyards were abandoned until the 1990’s, when a group of young winemakers started reviving the 100 plus year old gnarly vines.
The vineyards are mostly alberello, Italian for bush vines, and 80-90+ years old. The whites, from the Carricante grape, are grown on the eastern side near Milo and the reds, all made from Nerello Mascalese, come from prime vineyards on the northern side near Solicchiata and include the cru vineyards, locally called contrada, of Rampante and Santo Spirito.