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Etna Rosato DOC 2022
Delicate old pink with shimmering reflections, elegant bouquet with notes of wild strawberries and light currants, plus restrained, spicy tones. On the palate with creamy freshness and lively acidity, fine and distinguished. SUPERIORE.DE
"Aromas of grapefruit peel and raspberries. Medium body. Balanced acidity. Vivid citrus aftertaste with a slightly smoky edge to it." James Suckling
"A blend of young peach and nectarine is complemented by hints of crushed rock and dried flowers as the 2022 Rosato Etna blossoms in the glass. It has a soft texture and a mineral style. It quickly gains traction with a stimulating blend of lively acidity and a lemon astringency. The 2022 lasts a long time, with a saline concentration and mandarin notes that keep the taster coming back to the glass. The 2022 is another fantastic Rosato Etna from Graci." Vinous
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Nerello
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 6 months cement tank
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 10‑12 °C
- Storage potential: 2028+
- Closure: natural cork
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19252322 · 0,75 l · 29,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Etna Bianco DOC 2022
Fascinating, brightly coloured cuvée that smells of fresh fruit and flowers. Flavours of apple, pear and peach flatter the palate, well balanced and well-balanced. The fine mineral saline note on the finish is also delicious. SUPERIORE.DE
"A fresh white, with lovely verve and fine balance imparting an open-knit accessibility, carrying a pleasing range of poached pear and apricot fruit, fresh herb and milled white pepper accents. Reveals tangy notes of tangerine and pink grapefruit zest on the salty finish." James Suckling
"Lively citrus notes, followed by subtle flavours of mussels and wet stones. Medium body. Flinty finish at the end. Clean and crisp." James Suckling
"The Graci 2022 Etna Bianco has a pronounced mineral note that gives it additional sharpness and brightness. Over the years, the proportion of Carricante in the blend has increased. The salty-mineral profile of this grape variety takes centre stage. The wine has a very light golden colour and is already very drinkable." Wine Advocate
"Blend of Carricante and Catarratto. Notes of chinotto, yellow plums and lemony sage on the nose, almondy, salty and acidic on the finish, with a fruity, lemony and dried fruit aftertaste. Very long lasting." Luca Gardini
read more- Grape Varieties: 85% Carricante, 15% Catarratto
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 6 months cement tank on the fine yeast
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 10‑12 °C
- Storage potential: 2029+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 23,55 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,45 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,55 g/l
- Sulfite: 68 mg/l
- pH value: 3,33
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19250122 · 0,75 l · 33,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Etna Rosso DOC 2021
This archetypal Etna Rosso presents itself with great grace and beautiful varietal typicity. Aromas of strawberry and cherry on the nose, medium-bodied fruit on the palate, slightly salty notes and spicy nuances in the beautiful final. SUPERIORE.DE
"Medium-light red colour; delicate, fine fruit notes, depth, inviting; fine attack, then powerful, juicy, balanced, beautiful tannin, long." Merum
"The Graci 2021 Etna Rosso shows a structured but lean personality with bright berry fruits, redcurrants and wild berries. The wine is balanced and fresh. It shows the specific volcanic character that only wines from the charred slopes of Mount Etna can deliver. It is made from Nerello Mascalese, which is harvested at 600 to 700 metres above sea level on ashy volcanic soils." Wine Advocate
"Pure and fresh aromas of red and black berries with a hint of petrichor lead to a bright and energetic palate with a nice concentration of tangy fruit. It's bold and vibrant and finishes with incisive, juicy acidity, balsamic and hints of spice and chocolate. Delicious and very good value." Decanter
"A fresh, fine red wine that feels like raw silk on the palate, with taut tannins that are well combined with flavours of black raspberries and black cherries. Underpinned by mineral smoke and stone as well as fragrant accents of star anise, fresh marjoram and sandalwood." Wine Spectator
"Crisp cranberries, violets, allspice and a hint of nutmeg. Light to medium body with juicy and silky tannins, supported by a bright acid backbone. Balanced finish." James Suckling
"Opening slowly in the glass, the 2021 Etna Rosso reveals a nuanced blend of crushed stones and dried roses. It's comfortingly round with medium body and a salty mineral note up front that gives way to a depth of tart cherry berry flavours. The 2021 tapers off structured, long but beautifully balanced, with red flowers and exotic spice notes. This is a top-class Rosso, but it still needs some ageing time to fully develop." Vinous
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Nerello
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 18 months cement tank
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2029+
- Closure: natural cork
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19252121 · 0,75 l · 34,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Contrada Muganazzi” Bianco Etna DOC 2020
The grapes for this fine white from the north side of Etna come from the 3 ha Contrada Muganazzi in the municipality of Passopisciaro. The skeletal and ph-neutral soils are rich in iron and nitrogen and offer ideal conditions for fresh, acidic and mineral white wines. The wine is aged in equal parts in wood and stainless steel for 12 months on the fine lees. Muganazzi is neither a lean wine, nor is it too full-bodied. It is somewhere in between, with thick layers of peach, apricot and lots of fresh citrus. The mineral notes of gravel, flint and volcanic ash are very evident. An elegant, powerful Carricante with great drinking flow that clearly shows the signature of the sensitive Alberto Graci. SUPERIORE.DE
"Carricante from the Contrada of the same name on Etna: flower of peach and citrus; in the mouth elegant with salty minerality, finely chiselled and yet with character the long finish." Vinum
"Leafy and smoky notes on the nose, with papaya, pineapple and toffee. Medium-bodied, ripe and tropical, balanced by tangy acidity. Oily finish." James Suckling
"Here is an exciting new addition to Graci's portfolio. The 2020 Etna Bianco Muganazzi (with only 2,800 bottles) is a pure Carricante, aged in both stainless steel and large oak barrels. The Muganazzi is particularly fruity, showing aromas of melon and stone fruit that add creaminess to the wine's medium-bodied texture. On the finish, it shows an interesting firmness with a pronounced freshness." Wine Advocate
"The 2020 Etna Bianco Muganazzi holds my attention firm with a richly elegant mix of ripe peaches, cracked slate, cardamom and subtle nuances of lemony custard. It’s soft-textured and round in feel, coming across as almost oily at times, yet with a mineral and citrus-tinged core that keeps the wine wildly fresh. Lime zest, spice and almond paste linger incredibly long through the lightly structured finale. The palate is left remarkably refreshed and watering for more. If tasted blind, I may have called this new single-vineyard Carricante a village-level white Burgundy. What an exciting wine to taste." Vinous
read more- Grape Varieties: 95% Carricante, 5% Catarratto
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 12 months cement tank/wood barrel on the fine lees
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 10‑12 °C
- Storage potential: 2028+
- Closure: natural cork
- Food recommendations
grilled bluefish with lemon and thyme - Total extract: 21,98 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,28 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,65 g/l
- Sulfite: 75 mg/l
- pH value: 3,35
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19250420 · 0,75 l · 46,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping9 units available
Bianco Arcurìa Etna DOC 2020
Fresh white from old vines with invigorating citrus scent and notes of mint, rich of tropical fruits, taut and firm, with elegant mineral note on the palate, with fine polish and high complexity. SUPERIORE.DE
"Bright shining light gold. In the nose expressive notes of citrus fruits, candied zest, some grapefruit, in addition fine floral nuances, as well as clear on wet stone. Radiant on the palate with a fine creamy texture, showing racy mineral undertones, salty on the final." Falstaff
"Complex nose with aromas of flint, smoked almonds, lemon peel, white apricots and spiced pears. Medium-bodied with phenolic bite and lively acidity. Spicy and energetic on the finish." James Suckling
"From Contrada Arcuria in Passopisciaro on the north side of Mount Etna at an altitude of 600-700 metres, this 100% Carricante is vinified partly in cement tanks and partly in large oak barrels. The wine is then aged on its lees in barrel for 12 months and then in bottle for a further 12 months. It is rich, dense and powerful, with a mineral taste of peach and flowers." Decanter
"With just 4,000 bottles produced, the 2020 Etna Bianco Arcurìa starts off in stainless steel but comes together with aging in large oak casks. The wine is marked by medium-rich texture, some crisp structure and plenty of refreshing aromas of citrus, white peach and crushed oyster shell. Alberto Graci's careful winemaking style imparts very delicate background notes of clove and cinnamon." Wine Advocate
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Carricante
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 12 months cement tank/wood barrel on the fine lees
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 10‑12 °C
- Storage potential: 2028+
- Closure: natural cork
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19250220 · 0,75 l · 52,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available
Rosso Arcurìa Etna DOC 2019
Etna Rosso in light ruby and with a fine bouquet of raspberries, herbs, orange peel and flint. Firm, straightforward taste. Mineral hints corresponding to the terroir. Silky tannins and a fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE
"Warm light red; fruity, fine ripeness, deep; juicy, fine tart attack, depth, then pronounced length with powerful tannin." Merum
"The 2019 Etna Rosso Arcuria is smoky and earthy in style, wafting up with vivid aromatics, featuring freshly picked strawberries, plum skins, rose hips and wet stone. This is texturally deep, silky-smooth and more savory than sweet, with mineral-infused red and hints of blue fruit, as well as balsam herbs that resonate toward the close. It finishes lightly structured with a minty freshness, as well as with a bitter tinge of cherry pits and spice. The 2019 Arcuria is so pretty today that it’s hard to recommend cellaring; yet with the balance on display here, the chances are that it will only get better over time." Vinous
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Nerello
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 24 months large wooden barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2033+
- Closure: natural cork
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19252219 · 0,75 l · 57,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available
“Feudo di Mezzo” Rosso Etna DOC 2016
Sparkling ruby. Earthy notes, a little truffle, lots of blackberry. Round and smooth in the base and course, opens with fine-meshed tannin, enveloped in sweet enamel, mineral notes in the finale, some black tea and a firm pressure. SUPERIORE.DE
"Sparkling ruby with bright rim. Somewhat reserved nose, smells of pomegranate and beetroot, some raspberry. On the palate, a fine, present tannin, salty, with hints of strawberry and raspberry." Falstaff
"Alberto Graci is one of the few vintners on Etna who has successfully captured the grace and elegance of a somewhat subdued vintage such as this. The 2016 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo offers a level of depth and sharpness that leaves me happily surprised. The aromas stand upright and determined with dried cassis and black currant followed by cigar ash and crushed stone. This is a mid-weight red with lasting flavor persistence." Wine Advocate
"The nose is quite ripe, but there’s loads of complexity with dried herbs, leather, cedar, cigar box, ash and tar. Medium to full body, structured and chewy tannins and a long, flavorful finish." James Suckling
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Nerello
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 24 months large wooden barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2030+
- Closure: natural corks
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19252416 · 0,75 l · 59,99 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping1 unit available
“Idda” Bianco Sicilia DOC 2021
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
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Carricante
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 8 months concrete tank
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 10‑12 °C
- Storage potential: 2030
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 22,05 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,15 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,05 g/l
- Sulfite: 75 mg/l
- pH value: 3,40
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19250321 · 0,75 l · 65,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available
“Feudo di Mezzo” Rosso Etna DOC 2018
Sparkling ruby. Earthy notes, some truffle, pomegranate, then lots of blackberry. Round and supple in the attack and course, opens with fine-meshed tannin, coated with sweet melting, mineral-salty hints in the final, raspberry, some black tea and a firm pressure. SUPERIORE.DE
"Mid ruby with orange tinges. Crushed cherry with hints of exotic spice, wildflowers and iodine hints. Suave red fruit with supple acidity tied together by finely ground tannins. Closes up - indicating there is more to come." Jancis Robinson
"This red made with 95% Nerello Mascalese and 5% Nerello Cappuccio opens with aromas of mature dark-skinned fruit, pressed violet, scorched soil and camphor notes. Boasting a depth of flavors as well as weightless finesse, the savory, firm palate features juicy morello cherry, black raspberry, star anise, orange zest and licorice. Taut fine-grained tannins give the finish an edge." Wine Enthusiast
"The Graci 2018 Etna Rosso Feudo di Mezzo shows lifted and nice vertical intensity in a vintage that was not always easy across the board. Carefully selected fruit from the Feudo di Mezzo site appears to have overcome the challenges of summer rain and heat. This pretty Etna red reveals aromas of wild berry, plum, candied orange peel and a sprinkling of white pepper. Some volcanic smoke and campfire ash also come into play. The wine shows good intensity on the palate, with dry but integrated tannins." Wine Advocate
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Nerello
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 24 months large wooden barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 13,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2032+
- Closure: natural cork
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19252418 · 0,75 l · 69,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Rosso Arcurìa Etna DOC 2020
Etna Rosso with a light ruby colour and a fine bouquet of raspberries, herbs, orange peel and flint. Firm, straightforward flavour. Mineral notes in keeping with the terroir. Silky tannins and a fresh finish. SUPERIORE.DE
"Light red; fresh, red-fruity, raspberry jam, very inviting; red fruit already at the beginning, lots of tannin, subtly tart, very nice wine, long." Merum
"There's a slight hint of farmyard among the pure cherry fruit and orange peel aromas, while in the mouth it's intense and bright with a saline and balsamic character; vertical and sapid. Chalky tannins and fresh acidity provide structure to this sturdy, ageable red." Decanter
"A beautiful blend of red fruits and spices on the nose, along with a hint of tea. Medium to full-bodied with very fine tannins. Creamy. A beautiful depth of fruit carried effortlessly by the elegant tannin structure. Long lasting finish. Delicious. Best after 2025." James Suckling
"The Graci 2020 Etna Rosso Arcurìa is a very different wine to the Feudo di Mezzo. It has more fruit and a spicy character with blackcurrants, tea leaves, tobacco and perhaps a hint of exotic spices. The tannins are more pronounced here and the concentration of the wine is definitely a notch or two higher in terms of intensity. Contrada Arcurìa is located at an altitude of 650 metres above sea level. Only 5,300 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate
"Dusty and floral, the Etna Rosso Arcuria 2020 opens slowly with hints of chalk dust and sage that fade into violet pastilles and crushed blackberries. This is pure elegance, silky and refined, with a beautiful inner sweetness and cooling acidity that soothes and invigorates the palate. It finishes savoury and tannic with admirable length, with pretty inner flowers and a hint of bitterness slowly fading. It will take years for the Arcuria to come into its full bloom, but it will be time well spent." Vinous
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Nerello
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 24 months large wooden barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2034+
- Closure: natural cork
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19252220 · 0,75 l · 70,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Idda” Bianco Sicilia DOC 2022
Initially, 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. Even today, many of the winegrowers are still so-called insider tips, as the wines produced in small quantities hardly appear on the international markets, or only in very homeopathic quantities. Like us here at SUPERIORE.DE, Angelo Gaja recognised the incomparable elegance and class, the minerality and the purist style of the Nerello and Carricante grapes early on and therefore entered into a joint venture with Alberto Graci a few years ago.
The great prestige and undisputed high value of the vineyards, which are up to 100 years old and divided into small parcels at an altitude of up to 1,000 metres, led to the purchase of land on the south-west side of the volcano, which was launched on the market in 2017/2019 with the red/white debut vintage. The project is called "Idda" - the local name for the Etna volcano, which the locals thus assign a clearly feminine character. Idda Bianco 2022 is now the fourth vintage from complex, iron- and copper-rich soils at 630 to 820 metres above sea level. Incidentally, these are - how could it be otherwise - among the oldest in the still young Etna DOC region.
What we immediately like about Idda Bianco is the authentic Sicilian character of its cheerful bouquet. This marvellous Carricante-based white opens with cedar wood, citrus fruits, orange peel and cherries. The fruit is never heavy, but instead offers an elegant aromatic intensity, followed by pistachio and perhaps a hint of wild fennel. The wine's volcanic identity comes into its own with ashy and salty mineral hints. Our unreserved enthusiasm for its creamy texture, length and energy! SUPERIORE.DE
"The Bianco convinces with the combination of the velvety quality of the vineyards in the south of the volcano and the salty-mineral character of the soils, its precise nose and length." Vinum
"It has a fine, smoky, flinty nose with hints of peach, mango and white flowers. In the mouth it is intense and vertical, with juicy succulence and great acidity that defines its edges. It is finely structured and tangy, with flavours of peach, citrus peel, honey, lime juice and white flowers, finishing with a gentle stoniness." Decanter
"Sparkling and bright with green pear and lemon slices. Honeysuckle. Medium body with brightness and intensity of fruit. A hint of sea salt." James Suckling
"The 2022 Bianco is pleasing in many ways. It captivates with its unexpected richness of fruit, combining young peaches and apricots with white flowers and almond paste. It is round and smooth, but with an amazing mix of candied lime and salty minerals in the foreground, creating a contrast. Sweet florals on the inside complement the ripe stone fruits. The 2022 cleans beautifully, long and with a saline flair, while finishing crisp, full of tension yet delicious." Vinous
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Carricante
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 8 months concrete tank
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 10‑12 °C
- Storage potential: 2030+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 22,35 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,35 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,95 g/l
- Sulfite: 72 mg/l
- pH value: 3,39
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19250322 · 0,75 l · 72,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Idda” Rosso Etna DOC 2020
Initially, 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. Even today, many of the winegrowers are still so-called insider tips, as the wines produced in small quantities hardly appear on the international markets, or only in very homeopathic quantities. Like us here at SUPERIORE.DE, Angelo Gaja recognised the incomparable elegance and class, the minerality and the purist style of the Nerello and Carricante grapes early on and therefore entered into a joint venture with Alberto Graci a few years ago.
The great prestige and undisputed high value of the vineyards, which are up to 100 years old and divided into small parcels at an altitude of up to 1,000 metres, led to the purchase of land on the south-west side of the volcano, which was launched on the market in 2017 with the debut vintage. The project is called "Idda" - the local name for the Etna volcano, to which the locals ascribe a clearly feminine character. Idda Rosso 2018 is now the second vintage from complex, iron- and copper-rich soils at 630 to 820 metres above sea level. Incidentally, these are - how could it be otherwise - among the oldest in the still young Etna DOC region.
Typical ruby red colour with a matt sheen. Well-defined and clean on the nose, with notes of cherry, small, mostly red fruits and a subtle, delicate spiciness. Fresh on the palate, opens wide and finishes with a spicy note and considerable length. The tannins, very well extracted, delicately caress the palate. A wine full of elegance and harmony, with pronounced terroir typicity and recognisable ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE
"The Idda 2020 Etna Rosso, the result of the famous joint venture between Gaja and Graci, shows itself in the glass with a deep ruby-red intensity and a lively appearance. The bouquet reveals aromas of dried cherries, blue flowers, ashes from the campfire and grilled rosemary. These are joined by vegetal and floral notes as well as the volcanic flavours that are always characteristic of Etna's red wines. On the palate, the wine is slender and elegant with a nice tannic tension. It is firm without being bitter or powdery." Wine Advocate
"This 2020 is ever-so-slightly smoky with a lovely ripe, fresh scent of plum, cherry and red hedgerow berries. It has a tart attack of wild red fruits, forming the spearhead of a vertical palate which remains bright and tangy yet with a deft softness and suppleness of plum, strawberry and black cherry. Balsamic, stony and mineral, it finishes with a breezy, herbal waft and palate-refreshing acidity which lingers for minutes." Decanter
"Brilliant ruby red with a delicately brightening garnet rim. Expressive nose of raspberries and ripe currants, with fine blood orange, wet stone and some cold smoke. Polished on the palate with a creamy texture, juicy, racy, vibrant, fiery final with slightly perceptible alcohol, long." Falstaff
"Perfumed nose of red berries, spiced cherries, hazelnuts and smoke. Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Balanced and round with a silky texture on the mid-palate and volume on the concentrated, long finish. It really grows on the palate. Better after 2024." James Suckling
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Nerello
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 24 months concrete tank/50hl oak‑wood barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2032+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 27,35 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,05 g/l
- Residual sugar: 1,20 g/l
- Sulfite: 75 mg/l
- pH value: 3,42
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19252920 · 0,75 l · 73,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
Limitation of 3 articles per customer“Contrada Muganazzi” Bianco Etna DOC 2021
The grapes for this fine white wine from the north side of Mount Etna come from the 3-hectare Contrada Muganazzi in the municipality of Passopisciaro. The skeleton-rich and pH-neutral soils are rich in iron and nitrogen and offer ideal conditions for fresh, acidic and mineral white wines. The wine is matured in equal parts in wood and stainless steel for 12 months on the fine lees. Muganazzi is neither a lean wine, nor is it too full-bodied. It is somewhere in between, with thick layers of peach, apricot and lots of fresh citrus fruit. The mineral notes such as gravel, flint and volcanic ash are very evident. An elegant, powerful Carricante with great drinking flow that clearly shows the signature of the sensitive Alberto Graci. SUPERIORE.DE
"This is a very fresh and lively white wine with flavours of lime zest, stones, lemon peel, mussels and herbs. Medium body with bright acidity. Textured finish." James Suckling
"This elegant white shows fine knit, layering sleek acidity with flavors of star fruit and persimmon, Marcona almond and quince paste, plus accents of chamomile and white pepper. The finish is driven by a rich underpinning of salty minerality." Wine Spectator
"This 2021 is the second vintage from Graci's Contrada Muganazzi, located in Passopisciaro and made from the estate's youngest vines. Aromatic summer meadow, lemon, peach and apple lead to a very flavoursome, stony palate with juicy peach, orange zest and a waxy character on the finish." Decanter
"The 2021 Etna Bianco Muganazzi is the star among the white wines in the Graci portfolio. The wine offers a nice texture with mild creaminess and good complexity. You get candied lemon, honey and pastry cream, and of course there is gravel and volcanic ash to make an ever more interesting wine. This is a light-coloured white wine from a purely volcanic area. Give it a little more time to develop." Wine Advocate
read more- Grape Varieties: 95% Carricante, 5% Catarratto
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 12 months cement tank/wood barrel on the fine lees
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 12,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 10‑12 °C
- Storage potential: 2032+
- Closure: natural cork
- Food recommendations
grilled bluefish with lemon and thyme - Total extract: 22,35 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,47 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,70 g/l
- Sulfite: 73 mg/l
- pH value: 3,38
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19250421 · 0,75 l · 73,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Feudo di Mezzo” Rosso Etna DOC 2021
Sparkling ruby colour. Earthy notes, some truffle, pomegranate, then lots of blackberry. Round and supple in attack and finish, opens with fine-meshed tannins, enveloped in sweet enamel, mineral-salty hints on the final, raspberry, some black tea, volcanic smoke and a firm pressure. SUPERIORE.DE
"Healthy and energetic wine. Lots of red cherries, maraschino liqueur, rose petals, and ruby grapefruits followed by crushed lava rock undertones. Structured and creamy with crunchy and chewy tannins lifting the palate. Opulent floral characters give this an edge at the end." James Suckling
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Nerello
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 24 months large wooden barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2035+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 28,95 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,05 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,85 g/l
- Sulfite: 65 mg/l
- pH value: 3,33
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19252421 · 0,75 l · 74,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately
“Sopra il Pozzo” Rosso Arcurìa Etna DOC 2017
Graci's third vintage, Sopra il Pozzo, is a "selection from the selection" and comes from the Arcurìa vineyard. It is the red archetype of an Etna Rosso, a Nerello cru with the clear DNA of the volcanic-stony terroir. Pale ruby with orange highlights, the nose has candied fruit, cooling firewood, some aniseed and herbs. On the palate, it is silky without being slippery, its subtle wood and delicate acid wire harmonising perfectly with the flanking tannin into an unforgettable, mineral-salty finish. SUPERIORE.DE
"Graci's top-shelf red, the 2017 Etna Rosso Arcurìa Sopra il Pozzo has started to embrace the complexity that comes with bottle aging, and there are hints of spice, leather, dried fruit and more tertiary definition overall. The 2017 vintage was also very hot and dry, and the wine's open-knit presentation is surely due to those conditions. It offers accessible drinking. It wraps thickly over the palate with fine, dry tannin and lots of dried cherry and cassis. Production is 2,300 bottles." Wine Advocate
"Bright, sparkling cherry red. In the nose of dried roses, raspberries, cherries, gentle orange blossom, in addition fine cold smoke, distantly reminiscent of red peach. Very polished and round on the palate, taut with salt, energetic and with fine pressure, everything is in its place, spicy on the final, drinks very well." Falstaff
"Sweet berry and cherry flavours with a creamy texture and plenty of berry and spice notes on the finish. Medium to full body. Soy, oyster shell and salt." James Suckling
"The 2017 Etna Rosso Arcuria Sopra il Pozzo captivates with a blend of rich cherry sauce and sage with dusty rose and a hint of smoke. It is silky smooth, contrasted by bright acids and mineral tones and continues to gain grip as a saturation of tart wild berries sets in. The finish is long with subtle hints of spiced citrus, wild herbs and sweet, sweet tannins. What a great expression of Arcuria, a vineyard on the northern slope of Mount Etna, at an altitude of about 700 metres. The Sopra il Pozzo is a selection from the vineyard, refined for two years in perfectly integrated Stockinger barrels." Vinous
"Sopra il Pozzo" in Contrada Arcuria was identified after research in 2004 as a vineyard that differs from all the other vineyards in the area in its soil composition: alternating layers of stone and coarse sand. This wine, produced only in the best years, is traditionally fermented in oak barrels with a very long maceration period. Ageing takes place for 18 months in large oak barrels, followed by 12 months in bottle. The 2017 vintage was a difficult year and the team had to do a green harvest. The resulting wine is full of fragrant and tangy red fruits. Grainy tannins on a structured palate lead to a mineral, stony finish with hints of black cherry and balsamic. Tense, delicious and long. Very impressive." Decanter
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Nerello
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 24 months large wooden barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,50 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2036+
- Closure: natural cork
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19252617 · 0,75 l · 162,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping7 units available
Limitation of 1 articles per customer“Quota 1000 Barbabecchi” Nerello Mascalese Terre Siciliane IGT 2014
Alberto Gracis top wine Quota 1000 Contrada Barbabecchi comes from the northeast slope of the Etna from the highest vineyard at 1000 to 1100m altitude. The Nerello-Mascalese vines are about 100 years old, and the yields are correspondingly low. Sparkling purple. In the bouquet fine notes of small red berries and wild cherry, in addition fig, thyme and liquorice. On the palate highly complex and of a unique harmony and elegance. A deep, almost infinite wine with an unforgettable finish. SUPERIORE.DE
"A harmonious red, featuring bright wild cherry and violet notes married to rich hints of fig cake and dried thyme, showing a streak of salinity. Medium-bodied and aromatic, with sculpted tannins firming the lingering finish of spice and graphite. Fresh and lively." Wine Spectator
"Luminous red. Deep spicy perfume of red cherry and minerals on the knockout nose. The pure flavors of Oriental spices and ripe red fruit are very fresh and light on their feet. Closes long and suave, with noteworthy vibrancy. Made from Nerello Mascalese grown at about 1,000 meters above sea level on the northern slope of Etna in the Barbabecchi contrada." Vinous
"Alberto Graci has created a gorgeous wine - the best I have yet tasted from his winery - in the form of the 2014 Quota 1000 Barbabecchi. This wine represents many of the ideals that I would imagine finding if I were in front of the archetypal Etna Rosso. By the way, because these vineyards are about the appellation limit of 1,000 meters above sea level, this wine is technically not in the appellation. Funny how that works out, because this wine is indeed so reflective of that specific Etna identity. I tasted this wine twice: once when I first opened the bottle and once again 12 hours later. I did this with all my top-scoring reds in this report. This vintage is powerful, tonic, dry and tart. It offers a graceful, almost fragile first impression but then delivers a song succession of berry, smoke and ash flavors that drive the very long finish." Wine Advocate
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Nerello
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 24 months large wooden barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 13,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2036+
- Closure: natural corks
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19252514 · 0,75 l · 180,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping2 units available
Limitation of 1 articles per customer“Sopra il Pozzo” Rosso Arcurìa Etna DOC 2018
Graci's fourth vintage Sopra il Pozzo is a "selection from the selection" and comes from the Arcurìa vineyard. It is the red archetype of an Etna Rosso, a Nerello cru with the clear DNA of the volcanic-stony terroir. Light ruby with orange reflections, candied fruit on the nose, cooling firewood, some aniseed and herbs. The palate is silky without being smooth, its subtle wood and delicate acid wire harmonise perfectly with the flanking tannin until the unforgettable, mineral-salty finish. Only 2,300 bottles were bottled. SUPERIORE.DE
"Elegant berry flavours, also fine spicy notes, hot stone, chocolate; polished structure, balanced and perfectly rounded, the tannins fine-grained and well-integrated, supported by the firm acidity." Vinum
"A fresh and flavoursome Etna red wine with fine, firm tannins and crisp acidity. Bright redcurrants, mushrooms and lemon zest. Medium body. Crisp finish." James Suckling
"A graceful red, seamlessly knit and fresh, with aromas and flavors of dried strawberry and cherry, forest floor, dried thyme and mocha. This is fine and creamy, expanding on the palate while still showing supple definition from the taut, well-knit tannins. Long and minerally on the finish." Wine Spectator
"This 2018 shows an elegant cherry and petrol aroma with a medicinal touch. Intense, very tangy and fresh flavours of bitter cherry stones and subliminally sweet strawberries mingle on the fine, juicy and well-balanced palate, leading to a long, salty finish." Decanter
"The Graci 2018 Etna Rosso Arcurìa Sopra il Pozzo is a wine that develops in the glass. It unfolds with a sweet side that contrasts with a savoury or volcanic side. Sopra il Pozzo is a special site within the Contrada Arcurìa at an altitude of 650 metres. The tannins are well integrated and the bouquet is ethereal or almost fragile. This is a feature of this cooler vintage, and it may turn out to have a much longer drinking window than expected." Wine Advocate
"A beguiling blend of plum sauce, rum-soaked cherries, mint and balsamic spice makes the noble 2018 Etna Rosso Arcuria Sopra il Pozzo unmissable. It is a paragon of purity, elevated and refined, with textures of pure silk and pretty red berry fruit dazzling over a core of vibrant acidity. Salty minerals slowly saturate and emerge on the final, along with sweet tannins and a hint of violet pastille that linger on and on. The 2018 Sopra il Pozzo is simply stunning and should not be missed. It is easily one of the top wines of the vintage." Vinous
read more- Grape Variety: 100% Nerello
- Cultivation: close to nature
- Expansion: 24 months large wooden barrel
- Filtration: yes
- Alcohol content: 14,00 % vol
- Serving temperature: 16‑18 °C
- Storage potential: 2040+
- Closure: natural cork
- Total extract: 29,65 g/l
- Total acidity: 6,35 g/l
- Residual sugar: 0,85 g/l
- Sulfite: 67 mg/l
- pH value: 3,35
- Allergens
contains sulphites
stored air-conditioned19252618 · 0,75 l · 193,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available
Limitation of 1 articles per customer
The stories behind some Italian wineries sound like a storyboard for a movie. The one by Alberto Graci would also be a script. Son from a Sicilian farmer's family studies in Rome, becomes a successful investment banker in Milan at a young age. The death of his grandfather changes his steep career. He returns and becomes a winegrower. Great story.
We add: Already the grandfather cultivated wine. However, in the interior of the country, where at that time mass was produced, the grapes were sold to the cooperative and thus the rest of the mixed agriculture was only supported, one could not make a living from viticulture.
Alberto Graci came back in 2004. At that time there was hardly any viticulture on Etna. No ten brave pioneers like Benanti, Marco de Gracia or Frank Cornelissen believed in the wines from the volcano. But Alberto Graci was also fascinated. He was able to sell his grandfather's land and invested in vineyards on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. A Sicilian is more likely to sell a Sicilian to a Sicilian than to a cross-entry from the mainland or even from abroad. So he managed to buy some very old, partly semi-decay, but first-class sites. And unlike many of the "new" Vintners on Etna, who were often only able to acquire tiny plots, Alberto Graci succeeded in acquiring larger contiguous areas.
Unlike "crus" or "single vineyards"as sites worldwide are often called, such lands are called here "Contrada". Because, as Alberto points out, "here at Etna it is not only the soil and microclimate that change every few hectares, but also the difference in altitude and the specific lava flow, i.e. from which eruption the lava originates as subsoil. That could be a few hundred years, or even just the last big eruption in 1981 that changed the north flank here."
The Contrada Arcuria covers 25 hectares, one of the largest vineyards in the region, with 18 hectares of wine in production, more than 15 of which is Nerello Mascalese, the rest is planted with Carricante and Catarratto, from which fine, elegant white wines are produced. The younger vines are planted in rows of about 2 metres at a distance of 80 centimetres, resulting in a stock density of over 6,300 vines per hectare. The older plants are laid out in Alberello tree nursery, where each floor has a radius of about one metre, which results in an amazing 10,000 plants per hectare. However, at well over 650m above sea level and with an extremely low yield.
A few years ago, in the famous Contrada Feudo di Mezzo near Passopisciaro, Graci was able to buy an 80-year-old wild vineyard with Alberello vines, surrounded by chestnuts and olive trees.
His pride and joy, however, is a vineyard at over a thousand metres above sea level, the Contrada Barbabecchi above the village of Solicchiata. Vines over a hundred years old, many of them still rootless, "because the phylloxera didn't dare to climb the mountain so high." Alberto Graci says with a smile. This vineyard must be seen. Less than 30 km away as the crow flies, the sea in the north near Taormina and also in the southeast. Behind it towering high and mostly snow-covered, the eternally smoking crater. In the steep, terraced vineyard there are small trees where very few small grapes grow which are harvested in November. Only about 1,000 kilos per hectare. Without any chemical treatment, pure nature. A mad handicraft, because here - as with a mixed sentence - in some parts also white wine varieties and other autochthonous red wine varieties grow, some of them even still unknown, they are selected separately and come into the extremely exciting Etna Rosato. In the middle of it also chestnuts and olive trees, lots of bushes with forest berries and lots of herbs. It all adds up to one "own air". Perhaps that is why the wine from up here is so wonderfully elegant and spicy.
The latest project will be the "always curious" Alberto Graci with another "curiosity nose" with Angelo Gaja, a Piedmont top winegrower, and his daughter Gaia Gaja. In the southwest of Etna, Gaja and Graci have acquired about 20 hectares of land, which is said to have produced excellent wines in the 19th century. "We are much more interested in revitalizing the region than in marketing." Graci says and continues: "Everyone who comes on Etna falls in love with it. Angelo on Etna is like a volcano on a volcano.” Anyway, we are already very curious. SUPERIORE.DE
Facts
- Year of foundation: 2004
- Owner: Alberto Graci
- Oenologist: Alberto Graci and Emiliano Falsini
- Annual production: approx. 90,000 bottles
- Vineyard: approx. 25 hectares
- Biologically certified cultivation