Etna Bianco Ampelon
The area around Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe (over 3,300 meters), is one of the most incredible and amazing wine areas in the world. This area is located in the province of Catania, Sicily. It is called "island in the island". Its unique climatic conditions and the volcanic matrix of the soils distinguish it from the rest of the territories of the Sicilian Island, so as to make it a sort of "oasis" favorable and suitable for the cultivation of specific autochthonous varieties and for the production of wines that highlight peculiarities closely related to this terroir.
In our online wine sales site we host some wines produced on the slopes of Etna. Today, we have reviewed one of its white wine versions: the 2019 vintage of Etna Bianco Ampelon.
BUY THIS WINE: Etna Bianco D.O.C. Ampelon for sale online on Wineshop.it
Ampelon is a newly formed winery. It was founded in 2009 thanks to the initiative of Barbara and Valter Gazzotti. They have discovered, recovered, renovated and decided to enhance ancient vineyards of Nerello Mascalese, Carricante and Cataratto, the most important and characteristic vines of Etna.
Today, the family-run company is based in Randazzo, in the province of Catania. It has 8 hectares of vineyards located on the north side of Etna, in particular in the municipalities of Randazzo and Castiglione di Sicilia. The winery’s philosophy is focused on quality rather than quantity. Few products, treated in detail, able to bring in the bottle the characteristics of this incredible territory. The management of vineyards is mainly manual, characterized by minimally invasive interventions and the adoption of sustainable practices, avoiding the use of chemical agents harmful to humans and the environment.
The range of Ampelon wines includes a double version of Etna Rosso D.O.C., a wine made from 100% Nerello Mascalese grapes, which incorporates the ancient local and traditional wine making practices, and "our" Etna Bianco.
Etna Bianco D.O.C. Ampelon is made from Carricante grapes, mainly, and Catarratto, from vineyards on the northern slopes of Etna, at an altitude of about 700 meters s.l.m. After the harvest, conducted between September and October, the grapes are subjected to soft pressing and the classic white wine-making process, with aging strictly in steel to preserve the primary aromatic traits of the vines. The northern side of Etna is characterized by a climate with strong temperature variations between day and night. An ideal condition that allows the full development of the aromatic potential of the grapes.
Let’s go to the 2019 vintage tasting.
Etna Bianco D.O.C. Ampelon 2019 has a straw yellow color, with light and delicate golden reflections. The bouquet of aromas is characterized by a balanced mix of fruity-citrus notes, elegant hints of almonds and mineral sensations. The minerality of the volcanic soils where the Carricante and Catarratto grapes are grown can be found on the palate, where we perceive a "mineral" triumph, which gives freshness and helps to enhance the flavor of the mouthfeel. Structure and alcohol are evident, while the finish is long and slightly almond.
In our opinion, it is a wine that can go great with a seafood aperitif or pasta and rice dishes with fish. It is also approved with the most delicate white meat.
Have you ever tried Etna wines? Did you know this Etna Bianco D.O.C.?
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