“C’eragià" Chardonnay Sicilia DOC 2023

Tasca d'Almerita | Cantina Tascante | Sicily
Conte Tasca d'Almerita Soc. Agr. a.r.l. | Via dei Fiori 13 | IT 90129 Palermo

19039123 · 0,75 l · 44,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

C'eragià – which is Sicilian and means: "Once upon a time." An allusion to something improbable that nevertheless came true. Because Chardonnay on the northern slope of Mount Etna, at an altitude of 740 metres, in the Contrada Rampante – sounds like an experiment that shouldn't actually work. And yet it is exactly the opposite: proof that the volcanic soil of this mountain moulds grape varieties that behave differently elsewhere.

Only one hectare. Planted in 2000, on terraces of volcanic sediments, between 4,000 and 15,000 years old, north-facing, with 4,250 vines per hectare – that's all this spot allows. The grapes were harvested on 10 September – late for Chardonnay, but 2023 was no ordinary year: a cold, dry winter, a very cool, rainy spring, a cool summer with rainfall in September. Maturation was delayed, concentrated, remained precise. Fermentation in Liters French oak barrels from the small family-run Tonnellerie Chassin vat, 12 days, at 16 to 18°C. No malolactic fermentation – the acidity remains in its natural vibrancy. Maturation in wood.

Pale straw yellow in colour. Citrus peel, white peach, flint, volcanic macchia herbs on the nose – fresh, precise and with a mineral depth that betrays Etna. Lively and structured on the palate, with elegant acidity, fine wood in the background and a long, clear final. Chardonnay – but not from just anywhere. But from a volcano. SUPERIORE.DE