Etna Bianco Beddaluce (2022) - Tornatore

“Beddaluce” in Sicilian means “beautiful light”, a reference to the brightness and purity of the white wines of Etna.

The appellation: Etna Bianco DOC

Etna Bianco DOC came into being in 1968 as part of the oldest Sicilian appellation, which protects the wines produced on the slopes of Mount Etna. It is a Mediterranean mountain wine, combining altitude and volcanic soil to give rise to whites that are unique in Italy.The production area extends across the Etna municipalities of the provinces of Catania and Messina, with vineyards lying between 400 and 1 000 m above sea level..

What to eat with Etna Bianco Beddaluce

Who makes it: Tornatore

The Tornatore winery is one of Etna's benchmark estates, located on the northern slope of the volcano, in the Castiglione di Sicilia area. Founded in 1865, it is one of the oldest wine estates in the area, today led by the fourth generation of the family. Its bond with the land and its focus on quality translate into wines that tell the story of the Etna terroir, with a strong identity linked to the native grape varieties Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Carricante.

The vine of Etna Bianco Beddaluce

Carricante

Carricante is a native Sicilian white grape variety, grown almost exclusively on the slopes of Etna, where it gives rise to mineral, elegant and long-lived white wines. It is the leading white variety of the Etna Bianco DOC appellation, often vinified as a single variety or with small percentages of Catarratto or Minnella. The name “Carricante” is said to come from the dialect term “caricare” (to load), because of the plant’s high productivity (“loaded with bunches”). Yet when grown with care and at low yields, it gives vibrant, volcanic wines that are deeply expressive of the Etna terroir.

Etna Bianco Beddaluce: the area

Climate: Mediterranean

Altitude: Mid Altitude (500-800 m above sea level)

Soil: Volcanic

Geographical setting: Volcanic

Profile of Etna Bianco Beddaluce

Primary aromas: Citrus, Green apple, Pear

Secondary aromas: White flowers, almonds

Tertiary aromas: Toasting

Tasting notes: This Etna white shows a clear, bright straw-yellow colour. On the nose it is intense and complex, with hints of ripe white fruit, wild flowers and a mineral note recalling volcanic lava. In the mouth it is fresh and savoury, with excellent acidity that makes it lively and long. The fruity notes return, enriched by a touch of bitter almond. The finish is long and pleasantly almondy. A wine of great personality, one that represents its terroir well.