Graci
Etna Bianco Contrada Muganazzi 2023
| Denomination | DOC Etna Bianco |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.0% by volume |
| Area | Sicily (Italy) |
| Grape varieties | 70% Carricante, 30% Catarratto Bianco Comune |
| Aging | In concrete tanks, on the lees for 8 months. |
- Volcanic origin: Contrada Muganazzi, Passopisciaro, northern slope of Etna DOC
- Native grapes: Carricante and Catarratto grown at 600–700 metres altitude
- Vinification: gentle pressing and spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts
- Ageing: 8 months in cement tanks on the lees to enhance purity and minerality
- Tasting notes: hints of smoked citrus, mountain herbs and flint, with a persistent finish
Description
What kind of wine it is
The Etna Bianco Contrada Muganazzi by Graci is a white wine that expresses the vibrant character of Sicily, born in the Etna denomination from a blend of Carricante and Catarratto grapes. The bouquet reveals smoky notes of citrus and mountain herbs, enhanced by hints of salted butter, white flowers and flint. On the palate, it offers a fresh, savoury and vertical sip, driven by lively acidity and a long mineral persistence that faithfully reflects the strength of the volcanic soil, enhanced by vinification and ageing in cement tanks.
Where it comes from
The vines sink their roots into the renowned Contrada Muganazzi, in Passopisciaro on the northern slope of Etna. In this cool mountain environment, the plants grow up to seven hundred metres above sea level, benefiting from ideal conditions for slow ripening. The brown soils of volcanic origin are rich in stones, iron and nitrogen, with a total absence of limestone. This unique sandy composition gives the grapes an unmistakable gustatory tension, imparting a pronounced savoury imprint that defines the wine’s profound soul.
How it is produced
Production begins in mid-October with a rigorous manual harvest. The grapes undergo a slow pressing, followed by spontaneous fermentation carried out solely by indigenous yeasts. Vinification takes place in cement tanks, where the wine matures on the lees for eight months. This targeted technical choice preserves the aromatic integrity, resulting in a wine with a balanced structure, characterised by vivid acidity, a linear progression and a distinctly mineral finish.
History and Curiosities
Carricante is a historic white grape variety native to Etna. Among the curiosities linked to this wine, the minimalist white label is distinguished by the presence of a dog's silhouette.
Awards
-
2023
5Italian Sommelier Foundation (FIS) guide This has been one of the most prestigious wine guides in Italy for over 10 years.
-
2023
3This guide is highly respected and offers the most comprehensive review of Italian wines. It has a long tradition and is based on blind tastings carried out by over 100 experts.
-
2023
94/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
-
2023
94/100
The prestigious international wine guide from the renowned Robert Parker, the world's most experienced and trusted wine taster.
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2023
3One of the most prestigious wine guides in Italy.
-
2023
3Italian Sommelier Association (AIS) guide
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
10 - 12 °C
Longevity:
05 - 10 years
- Start up year: 2004
- Oenologist: Alberto Aiello Graci, Emiliano Falsini
- Bottles produced: 85.000
- Hectares: 30
Grapes and volcano, these are the wines of Graci, unique interpreters of an extraordinary terroir. The winery is an old and majestic palmento skilfully restored by Alberto. Here, one part is occupied by the production structure, while another part, with cross vaults, still houses the old barrels and tools for wine production. Read more
| Name | Graci Etna Bianco Contrada Muganazzi 2023 |
|---|---|
| Type | White still |
| Denomination | Etna DOC |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 13.0% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 70% Carricante, 30% Catarratto Bianco Comune |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Vendor | Graci |
| Story | History and Curiosities Carricante is a historic white grape variety native to Etna. Among the curiosities linked to this wine, the minimalist white label is distinguished by the presence of a dog's silhouette. |
| Origin | Contrada Muganazzi, Passopisciaro (hamlet), Castiglione di Sicilia, northern slope of Etna |
| Climate | Cool mountain environment |
| Soil composition | Brown, of volcanic origin rich in stones, from sandy loam to loamy sand, neutral pH, non-calcareous, rich to very rich in iron and with a high nitrogen content. |
| Cultivation system | Espalier-trained bush |
| Plants per hectare | 6300 |
| Harvest | Mid-October |
| Production technique | Vinified in concrete tanks after a slow pressing, without the use of selected yeasts; aged on the lees for 8 months |
| Wine making | Vinified in concrete tanks after a slow pressing, without the use of selected yeasts; aged on the lees for 8 months. |
| Aging | In concrete tanks, on the lees for 8 months. |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |