What kind of wine is Etna Bianco DOC 'Nerina' 2024 - Girolamo Russo

Etna Bianco DOC 'Nerina' 2024 - Girolamo Russo is a wine that tells the extraordinary richness of Etna's northern slope, where vines grow among volcanic soils, high altitudes, and strong thermal excursions. It is primarily made from Carricante and Catarratto, two native Sicilian grape varieties, with small contributions of Minnella and Grecanico that add finesse and complexity to the aromatic profile. It is a fresh, mineral, and aromatic white wine, capable of balancing the structure and intensity typical of Etna wines with an elegant and dynamic drinkability.

Vintage details

The 2024 vintage on Etna was characterized by a mild and relatively rainy winter, followed by a balanced spring that favored uniform flowering. The summer, without excessive heat, allowed for a slow and constant ripening of the grapes, enhancing the aromatic component and preserving the natural acidity of Carricante. The result is a wine of great harmony, where freshness and softness meet in perfect balance.

Vinification and aging

After fermentation in wooden barrels, Etna Bianco DOC 'Nerina' 2024 matures for six months on the lees, i.e., in contact with the fine sediments that naturally settle during winemaking. This process, called sur lie, gives the wine greater body, complexity, and a pleasant creamy sensation on the palate. Aging then continues for another six months in the bottle, before being released for sale, to achieve a perfect balance between freshness and roundness.

Tasting notes

Color

In the glass, it presents a luminous straw yellow with golden reflections, a sign of maturity and elegance. The brilliance immediately recalls the typical mineral energy of Etna wines.

Nose

On the nose, it is broad and refined: notes of ripe citrus, white flowers, and fresh almond are intertwined with mineral hints and slight nuances of sweet spices from the time in wood. The overall impression is elegant, inviting, and constantly evolving in the glass.

Palate

On the palate, Nerina impresses with the perfect fusion of freshness, minerality, and softness. The entry is lively, the mid-palate is savory and full, while the finish is long and clean, with hints of citrus and flint. It is a wine that invites a second sip thanks to its natural balance and brilliant lightness.

What to pair with Etna Bianco DOC 'Nerina' 2024 - Girolamo Russo

This Etna Bianco pairs beautifully with Mediterranean dishes, especially seafood preparations and delicate dishes. It is ideal for enhancing simple but authentic flavors without overpowering them.

• Raw fish and tuna tartare
• Spaghetti with clams or sea urchins
• Grilled or baked fish, such as sea bream and sea bass
• Fresh cheeses and vegetable appetizers

Its freshness also makes it perfect as a refined aperitif, to be shared with those who love white wines with a mineral and territorial character.

Storage and aging: how to store Etna Bianco DOC 'Nerina' 2024 - Girolamo Russo

Etna Bianco DOC 'Nerina' 2024 - Girolamo Russo is a wine with a delicate soul, which best expresses its characteristics in its early years. It is recommended to store it in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature, around 12-14°C, with the bottle in a horizontal position to keep the cork moist. While it can evolve for 2-3 years, it is ideal to enjoy it within this period to fully appreciate its aromatic vibrancy, freshness, and its typical mineral imprint.