Cottanera

Etna Bianco, Sicily |  2023

When it comes to the world of Italian wine, one region over the last decade has risen in notoriety far beyond any other. The volcanic slopes of Mt. Etna has become the darling of the Italian wine press, and consumers are actively seeking out the best wines from this unique wine region.

For the Cambria family, starting the Cottanera winery was a matter of coming “home.” In 1962, Francesco Cottanera purchased 100 hectares in his birthplace of Randazzo, on the northern slopes of Mt. Etna. Cultivating and selling hazelnuts, as well as producing grapes that were sold to the cooperative was the initial business of the family. By the 1990’s his son, Guglielmo had established himself for selling wine to restaurants, typically in demijohns. These wines have nothing to do with the wines of today made at Cottanera.

Enologist Lorenzo Landi came on board in 2005, and systematically focused the estate on what Etna does best, produce white and red wines with local varieties such as Carricante and Nerello Mascalese. Today, the Cambria family owns 60 hectares of vineyards, in many of the great single vineyards around Randazzo.

This delightfully fresh and fragrant Etna Bianco is produced entirely from the Carricante varietal from vineyards in Castiglione di Sicilia. The soils in the vineyards are largely alluvial and clay-rich volcanic soil. To preserve freshness, the grapes are picked by hand and go through a 24-hour cold maceration, with fermentation in temperature-controlled stained steel tank. Further aging on the fine lees in tank add to the texture and complexity.

With gorgeous notes of white flowers, citrus and mineral on the nose, it leads into the palate with some weight and richness. This has a beautiful texture and a vibrant and long finish. A perfect pairing to match up with simple grilled prawns or crab legs, which highlights the wines salinity.