Etna Bianco Superiore “Aurora” (2023) - I Vigneri

“Aurora” is dedicated to an endangered butterfly of Etna, a symbol of biodiversity. The vines are trained as Etna alberello, tended by hand at over 750 metres. I Vigneri is a historic Etna winery that works with ancestral methods, with Salvo Foti as its guiding figure.

The appellation: Etna Bianco Superiore DOC

Etna Bianco Superiore DOC is the highest expression of Etna white wine, produced exclusively in the municipality of Milo, on the eastern side of the volcano. Established in 1968 (together with Etna DOC), this subzone stands out for the freshness, finesse, minerality and longevity of its white wines, which must contain at least 80% Carricante, the flagship variety of Etna. Thanks to the altitude, the sandy, mineral-rich volcanic soils and the maritime influence that reaches these slopes, Etna Bianco Superiore offers taut, vibrant and saline profiles, among the most elegant in Italy.

What to eat with Etna Bianco Superiore “Aurora”

Who makes it: I Vigneri

I Vigneri is a wine project born thanks to Salvo Foti, one of the greatest interpreters of Etna viticulture. The name is inspired by the guild of winegrowers founded in 1435 in Catania, and the project aims to bring the old farming practices of the area back to life. The philosophy of the winery is based on mountain viticulture, manual work and environmentally respectful practices. The vineyards lie between 600 and 1200 metres above sea level, on volcanic soils that give the wines a unique mineral character.

The vine of Etna Bianco Superiore “Aurora”

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.

Minnella Bianca

Minnella Bianca is a rare and fascinating native Sicilian white grape variety, grown almost exclusively on the slopes of Etna, in the province of Catania. It is an ancient, low-yielding variety, yet capable of producing fresh, light, mineral wines that speak of the unique volcanic land they come from. The name "Minnella" comes from Sicilian dialect and refers to the shape of the berry, similar to a woman’s breast (“minna”). It is generally vinified as a single variety by only a few artisan producers, while more often it appears in blends with Carricante and Catarratto, to bring freshness, acidity and slenderness.

Etna Bianco Superiore “Aurora”: the Etna Est area

Climate: Mountain-volcanic

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

Soil: Volcanic

Geographical setting: Volcanic

Profile of Etna Bianco Superiore “Aurora”

Primary aromas: Lemon, green apple, apple blossom

Secondary aromas: Flint, yeast, Mediterranean herbs

Tertiary aromas: Hints of honey and beeswax as it evolves

Tasting notes: The wine opens on citrus aromas, white flowers and briny traits. On the palate it is taut, vertical and mineral, with important acidity and a salty close reminiscent of lava rock. The mouth is full but dry, with great precision.

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