What kind of wine is Etna Bianco Superiore DOC “Imbris” 2020 - I Custodi delle vigne dell’Etna, I Vigneri

The Etna Bianco Superiore DOC “Imbris” 2020 - I Custodi delle vigne dell’Etna, I Vigneri is a white wine produced on the eastern side of Mount Etna, in the municipality of Milo, the only production area that can boast the “Superiore” mention. It is made almost entirely from Carricante grapes, an ancient, indigenous variety strongly linked to the volcanic soils of this area. The sandy and mineral soils, the altitude of about 900 meters, and the significant temperature variations give this wine an elegant and recognizable style: fresh, savory, and with great minerality, displaying a marked acidic tension that makes it extremely pleasant and long-lived.

Vintage Details

2020 on Etna was a balanced year. After a rainy winter and a cool early spring, the summer passed with moderate temperatures and excellent ventilation, ideal for the proper ripening of Carricante. The grapes achieved a perfect balance between sugars and acidity, best expressing the typical characteristics of the Milo territory. The manual harvests, carried out at the beginning of October, allowed for the careful selection of only the healthiest and most mature bunches.

Winemaking and Aging

The grapes are whole-bunch pressed to preserve the purity of the aromas and the natural finesse of the fruit. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel at controlled temperatures, a choice that enhances the aromatic freshness and varietal fragrance of Carricante. This is followed by a maturation period of approximately 18 months in stainless steel, during which the wine slowly refines in contact with its fine lees (the exhausted yeasts, which contribute to structure and complexity). The process concludes with at least 24 months of bottle aging before commercialization, to ensure harmony and gustatory depth.

Tasting Notes

Color

Visually, the Etna Bianco Superiore “Imbris” 2020 presents a luminous straw yellow, with golden reflections that anticipate its maturity and elegance. The brilliance of the color reflects the freshness and vitality found on the palate.

Nose

The nose opens with intense and finely articulated notes: ripe citrus, green apple, and wildflowers blend with mineral and slightly saline hints. Nuances of Mediterranean herbs and flint emerge, typical of Etna white wines. The bouquet evolves in the glass, revealing a perfect balance between fruit and minerality.

Taste

On the palate, it is fine, taut, and dynamic. The freshness and vibrant acidity accompany a linear structure, supported by a pleasant final savoriness that recalls the volcanic sensations of the territory. The sip is long, clean, and of great elegance, with a persistent finish that invites another taste.

Food Pairings for Etna Bianco Superiore DOC “Imbris” 2020 - I Custodi delle vigne dell’Etna, I Vigneri

This white wine, with its marked freshness and aromatic complexity, pairs perfectly with dishes based on:

• grilled or baked fish, such as amberjack or sea bream;
• raw seafood and tuna tartare;
• pasta dishes with seafood, citrus risottos, or seasonal vegetables;
• fresh and semi-aged cheeses, such as baked ricotta or young pecorino.

It is a wine that elegantly accompanies both delicate seafood cuisines and vegetarian dishes with clean and aromatic flavors.

Storage and Aging: how to store Etna Bianco Superiore DOC “Imbris” 2020 - I Custodi delle vigne dell’Etna, I Vigneri

The Etna Bianco Superiore “Imbris” 2020 is a wine that performs best in the first few years after bottling but can evolve gracefully if stored correctly. To maintain its qualities:

• store it in a cool, dark environment, with a constant temperature around 12-14°C;
• keep the bottle horizontally, to preserve the integrity of the cork;
• avoid sudden temperature changes and direct light sources.

If well-preserved, it can express its complexity for 2-3 years after harvest, maintaining its vibrant mineral freshness.