Etna

The Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) "Etna" identifies six types of wines: white, superior white, red, reserve red, rosé and sparkling wine.

Grapes

For the Etna white wine, the regulations prescribe the use of at least 60% of the grapes coming from the Carricante vine and a maximum of 40% from the Catarratto bianco. In the Superiore variant, on the other hand, only at least 80% of Carricante is used. In both cases, other white grapes suitable for cultivation in Sicily may also be used. For Red and Rosé the composition provides for a minimum of 80% Nerello Mascalese and a maximum of 20% Nerello Mantellato, together with other similar grape varieties. Finally, Nerello Mascalese is also present in Spumante, with a share of 60% (minimum) that in this case, too, is added to the grapes of other similar varieties and grown in Sicilia. 

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

White (minimum total alcoholic strength by volume of 11.5% vol.) and upper white (12% vol.) are both straw yellow, with possible golden or greenish reflections. The aroma is delicate and characteristic, while the taste is dry, fresh and harmonious (softer in the Superiore). The Rosso (12.5% vol.) and the Rosso Riserva (13% vol.), on the other hand, have a ruby red aspect that is enriched with garnet reflections with ageing. The aroma is intense and characteristic combined with a dry, warm, robust, full and harmonious taste. A ruby colouring can also be found in the rosé (12.5% vol.), which emerges for its intense and characteristic aroma and for its dry and harmonious flavour. Finally, the sparkling wine can be vinified either rosé or white, always with a fine and persistent froth and a taste ranging from brut to extradry.

Grape production area

The production area covers the territories of 20 municipalities on the slopes of Mount Etna.

Specificity and historical notes

The area of Etna probably knew the vine already in the eighth century BC, as it was the first area of Sicilia to be reached by Greek settlers.