Massimo Lentsch Etna Bianco 2021

This 100% Carricante white Etna Bianco is harvested from the north-facing Gabelle vineyard, which is situated on a steep hillside at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level and whose soils are part stony alluvial while upper parts are sandy and rich in lava blocks and volcanic deposits. The resulting wine reveals a bifurcated climactic influence of volcanic and maritime. Harvest is completed by hand before the grapes are destemmed and lightly pressed. A short, cold maceration on the skins quickly ensues, after which the grapes are removed from the must. The juice is transferred to ferment in stainless steel vats before aging on the lees with bâtonnage for a minimum of six months. The wine is a soft, straw-yellow hue, which shimmers with gold flecks. The nose presents sweetpea and blossom notes peppered with a gentle herbaceousness, like sun-dried sprigs of rosemary. On the palate, this wine conveys a similar delicacy with notes of lychee, lemon pith, and waxy white fruits. Slowly, the fruit gives way to a true-to-form expression of terroir as volcanic minerality zips across the palate while a rolling salinity cuts through. A lingering finish leaves one yearning for more, as this precise and balanced wine could perfectly complement a vongole pasta or grilled aubergine.