“Idda” Bianco Sicilia DOC 2023

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

19250323 · 0,75 l · 65,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

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 2023 is now the fifth 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 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

"Bright, pale straw yellow with a clear green tinge. Opens with distinctly cool notes, some sea spray, then fine citrus notes and orange blossom. Fine, elegant fruit melt on the palate, very balanced, good tension, emphasised salty components on the final." Falstaff

"A crisp white with the character of sliced pear and lemon, emphasised by undertones of green apple. It has a medium body, a beautiful fruit centre and a fresh finish." James Suckling

"Fresh and fragrant, with a hint of lemongrass underlining the flavours of peach skin, poached apricot, preserved lemon and toasted hazelnut. Slightly plush and pleasant in texture, with hints of lemon oil, white mocha and fleur de sel adding subtle details on the lingering finish." Wine Spectator

"A pure expression of Carricante, the Idda 2023 Sicilia Bianco shows citrusy notes, some freshly cut grass, honey and creamy almond. This native grape from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna is usually quite sharp and steely in presentation, but this bottle from the Gaja and Graci winemaking team offers more textural heft and overall fruit weight. When you look deeper, you might find Sicilian tones of bergamot and caper blossom." Wine Advocate

"The 2023 Bianco demands attention with a beguiling bouquet that blends crushed stones, sesame seeds and curry leaves with nectarines and lemon peel. It opens with a pretty inner sweetness contrasted by a mass of savoury minerals and zesty acidity as ripe fruit cascades. The 2023 tapers dramatically, long and savoury. A sour citrus note forces the mouth to salivate, while notes of candied lime and a tart Granny Smith apple concentration slowly fade away. In a word: fantastic." Vinous