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Story: Wine from Etna | Classic



Wine from Mount Etna: a volcanic region with history and character
Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe and an imposing landmark in Sicily, is not only a natural wonder, but also one of the most fascinating wine regions in Italy. Viticulture on Mount Etna has a long and eventful history dating back to ancient times. From its beginnings by Greek colonists to today's globally recognized wine region, viticulture on Mount Etna has been in a constant state of development and is now one of the most exciting wine-growing regions in the Mediterranean.

The beginnings: Greek colonists bring viticulture to Mount Etna
The origins of viticulture on Mount Etna go back to the Greek colonists, who planted the first vines on Sicily in the 8th century BC. The Greeks quickly recognized the potential of the fertile volcanic soil and the special climatic conditions, which were characterized by the proximity to the sea and the extreme differences in altitude. Etna soon became known for the high quality of its wines, and viticulture flourished in the region for many centuries.

Climate and terroir: Unique conditions for viticulture
The climate on Mount Etna is characterized by an extraordinary combination of factors that make this region unique. The vineyards extend over the various altitude levels of the volcano, which means that the climatic conditions differ greatly in some cases. While the lower regions benefit from the warm, Mediterranean climate, the higher altitudes offer cooler temperatures and are often covered in snow in winter. These temperature differences between day and night favor a slow ripening of the grapes, which leads to an increased variety of aromas and an intense freshness.

The volcanic soil is rich in minerals, which give the wines a special and unmistakable minerality. This minerality, coupled with the finesse made possible by the altitude, gives the wines from Etna their unique character and has contributed to their growing popularity.

The main grape varieties: Nerello Mascalese, Carricante and Catarratto
Mount Etna is home to some special grape varieties that have adapted to the unique conditions over the centuries. The region's most famous grape variety is the red Nerello Mascalese, which thrives on the steep slopes of the volcano. This variety produces elegant, finely structured red wines that impress with their mineral depth and the complexity of their aromas. Nerello Mascalese has long been native to the region and is often compared to the Pinot Noir wines of Burgundy - a comparison that has earned the wines from Etna the reputation of the “Burgundy of the South”.

White wine varieties such as Carricante and Catarratto are also cultivated. Carricante is an indigenous white wine variety known for its fresh acidity and subtle citrus aromas. It adapts perfectly to the higher, cooler altitudes of Mount Etna and produces mineral, elegant white wines that wonderfully reflect the terroir of the volcano. Catarratto, another popular white wine variety, also produces fresh, lively wines and is another expression of the diversity that the region has to offer.

Traditional cultivation: terraces and sustainable methods
The steep slopes of Mount Etna require a special cultivation method: The vineyards are mostly terraced, which makes work easier for the winegrowers and also reduces the risk of soil erosion. These terraces are characteristic of the region and bear witness to the traditional cultivation methods that have been maintained over generations.

Many winegrowers on Mount Etna focus on sustainable cultivation and take care to preserve the natural conditions. They use old vines, cultivate the soil carefully and use only a few chemical additives. By returning to tradition and treating the unique terroir with respect, the winegrowers have succeeded in preserving the original characteristics of the wines and further improving their quality.

The rise to international renown: The “Burgundy of the South”
In recent decades, viticulture on Mount Etna has attracted worldwide attention. The combination of elegance, finesse and minerality of the wines has led to them enjoying great recognition among wine lovers and critics. The Nerello Mascalese in particular has impressively demonstrated the region's potential and is increasingly establishing itself as a strong alternative to the great wines of northern Italy and France.

Today, the region is referred to as the “Burgundy of the South”, which emphasizes the high status of the wines and their fine structure. The comparison with Burgundy is no coincidence: the Etna wine region offers a similar variety of microclimates and terroirs, which give the wines an impressive range of aromas and a high ageing potential. These wines are characterized by their origins and offer a unique taste experience that sets them apart from other wines in Italy.

Conclusion: The fascination of Etna wines
The wines from Etna are an outstanding example of the close connection between nature and culture. From the volcanic soil to the traditional grape varieties, the wines reflect the history and uniqueness of this region. Viticulture on Mount Etna has managed to combine its millennia-old tradition with modern quality standards and today offers a fascinating variety of red and white wines that are appreciated for their minerality, elegance and finesse.

For wine lovers and travelers looking for something special, the wines of Etna are a must: they represent the power and beauty of the volcano and reveal the terroir of this impressive region of Sicily in every glass. - Gerardo [TS11/24]



Wein vom Ätna Klassiker

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Shop: Wine from Etna
´Nardalici´ · Etna Rosso DOC 2017, Terre di Giurfo, Sizilien

Nardalici · Etna Rosso DOC 2017, Terre di Giurfo


Terre di Giurfo, Sicily
€ 21,95
29,27 €/L
´Alta Mora´ · Etna Rosato DOC 2023, Cusumano, Sizilien

Alta Mora · Etna Rosato DOC 2023, Cusumano


Cusumano, Sicily
€ 17,50
23,33 €/L
´Alta Mora Guardiola´ · Etna Rosso DOC 2016, Cusumano, Sizilien

Alta Mora Guardiola · Etna Rosso DOC 2016, Cusumano


Cusumano, Sicily
€ 32,95
43,93 €/L
´Contrada Marchesa´ · Etna Rosso DOC 2018, Donnafugata, Sizilien

Contrada Marchesa · Etna Rosso DOC 2018, Donnafugata


Donnafugata, Sicily
€ 52,95
70,60 €/L
´Alta Mora Guardiola´ · Etna Rosso DOC 2015, Cusumano, Sizilien

Alta Mora Guardiola · Etna Rosso DOC 2015, Cusumano


Cusumano, Sicily
€ 32,95
43,93 €/L
´Alta Mora Feudo di Mezzo´ · Etna Rosso DOC 2016, Cusumano, Sizilien

Alta Mora Feudo di Mezzo · Etna Rosso DOC 2016, Cusumano


Cusumano, Sicily
€ 30,95
41,27 €/L