Wine: Ciro Biondi 2021 Pianta Etna Bianco

Varietal: Carricante, Minella, Malvasia, Catarrato, and Moscatello dell'Etna

Region: Sicily, Italy

Size: 750mL

ABV: 12.5%

Notes: Ciro’s ‘Pianta’ Etna Bianco comes from a special 2.5-hectare plot on the steep, terraced slopes of Mount Etna’s south side. The vineyard has been in Ciro’s family for generations, with the dry-stone walls built by his grandfather, Cirino Biondi. The vines grow in volcanic, sandy soil, and the wine is made mostly from Carricante (90%), with a touch of Minella, Malvasia, Catarratto, and Moscatello dell'Etna.

Ciro ferments and ages this wine in neutral oak barrels—a technique he picked up from a Burgundy producer—that gives it a beautiful complexity. Expect aromas of yellow flowers, apricot, and herbs, with a round, lush palate and just the right touch of minerality. It’s a stunning, elegant white wine, perfect with seafood or roast chicken