“Idda” Bianco Sicilia DOC 2021

Alberto Graci / Angelo Gaja | Sicily
Az. Agr. Graci | Contrada Arcurìa Passopisciaro | IT 95012 Castiglione di Sicilia

In the beginning, the wines from Etna led a rather shadowy existence; the great potential of the wines, some of which were produced in very small quantities, usually only delighted connoisseurs' hearts. Even today, many of the winemakers are so-called insider tips, as the wines produced in small quantities hardly appear on the international markets, or only in very homeopathic numbers. Like us here at SUPERIORE.DE, however, Angelo Gaja recognised the incomparable elegance and class, the minerality and the purist style of the Nerello and Carricante grape early on and therefore entered into a joint venture with Alberto Graci a few years ago.

The great prestige and the undeniably high value of the vineyards, which are up to 100 years old and parcelled out in small sections at an altitude of up to 1,000 m, then led to the purchase of land on the south-west side of the volcano, and in 2017/2019 they came onto the market with the red/white debut vintage. The project is called "Idda" - the local name of the Etna volcano, which the locals thus assign a distinctly feminine character. Idda Bianco 2021 is now the third vintage from complex, iron- and copper-rich soils at 630 to 820 m above sea level. Incidentally, these are - how could it be otherwise - among the oldest in the still young Etna DOC region.

What we spontaneously like about the Idda Bianco is the authentic Sicilian character of its cheerful bouquet. This delightful Carricante-based white opens with cedar, citrus, orange peel and cherries. The fruit is never heavy, instead offering elegant aromatic intensity followed by pistachio and perhaps a hint of wild fennel. The volcanic identity of the wine is on full display with ashy and salty mineral hints. Our unqualified enthusiasm for its creamy texture, length and energy! SUPERIORE.DE

"Straw yellow. Ripe lemon and peach on the nose with notes of gooseberry and hints of flint and garden herbs. Citrusy peach with garden herb notes, lemon and very ripe gooseberries. Very long with concentrated ripe acidity like a lemon squeeze on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"Aromas of quince and glazed lemons with dried herbs and floral undertones. Medium-bodied. So fresh and tight with a crisp, pear character and lively acidity. Lots of energy and crisp minerality." James Suckling

"The Idda 2021 Sicilia Bianco is a pure Carricante. The wine is generous and medium-bodied in texture with lots of apricot, Golden Delicious apple and quince. It feels supple on the palate, with a nice richness of fruit and citrus flavours to finish. What I like best is the richness of the mouthfeel and the long, silky sensations this volcanic white gives." Wine Advocate

"Bright straw yellow with delicate olive green reflections. Expressive nose, compact, clean, of lemon zest, orange blossom, wet stone and some cold smoke, inviting. On the palate with elegant fruit melting, balanced and harmonious, shows extremely elegant and finesse, comes in several layers." Falstaff

19250321 · 0,75 l · 65,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available