Terrazze dell'Etna "Ciuri" Terre Siciliane Bianco, Sicily, Italy 2024

FROM ETHICA WINES:

THE WINE: 100% Nerello Mascalese. In the mouth it is sapid and fresh, with slightly accentuated body which lies perfectly on the acidic backbone of this white. It leaves in the mouth a pleasant mineral finish.

THE PRODUCER: Terrazze dell’Etna is not your average Sicilian winery—it’s a full-blown lava-fueled revival project launched in 2008 by Palermo-born engineer Nino Bevilacqua. With a little help from winemaking wizard Riccardo Cotarella, Nino transformed abandoned volcanic land into a high-altitude vine haven on Mt. Etna’s northwestern slopes. We’re talking up to 950 meters above sea level—nosebleed territory for vineyards.

Set across 36 dramatic hectares of terraces (yes, actual terraces carved into lava rock), the estate is surrounded by olive groves, cherry trees, and thick chestnut forests. But the main event? Native grape royalty Nerello Mascalese and its sidekick Nerello Cappuccio. Add a splash of international flair (Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for bubblies) and you’ve got a sparkling revolution in the making.