2022 Ciro Biondi Etna Bianco Outis

WINEMAKER: Ciro Biondi
REGION: Sicily, IT
VARIETY: Carricante, Minella, Malvasia, Catarrato, Moscatello dell'Etna
VITICULTURE: Organic

Biondi’s Outis Bianco is primarily Carricante, an intriguing white indigenous grape variety with a distinctive stony minerality. It is blended here with several other more aromatic local varieties, including Minella, Malvasia, Catarrato and Moscatello dell'Etna (unblended Carricante can be almost too lean and minerally). The combination of bright acidity and minerality from the Carricante with the complex aromatic notes from the other varieties come together harmoniously in the glass. Bright pale straw color in the glass, with aromas of wet stones, with hints of flowers, peach, apricot and herbs. A very flavorful palate impression with lively balancing acidity.

"The reputation of the wines of Mount Etna, the enormous active volcano that dominates the north-eastern corner of Sicily, has shot up in the last few years. It is now known as one of the best wine-producing areas in Italy; I think correctly. Ciro Biondi's family has owned vineyards in this area since at least 1800, and first sold bottled wine under their label a century ago; the modern iteration of the Biondi winery started in 1999. Ciro (an architect by training) and his wife Stef own three vineyards near the small town of Trecastagni, and have reworked an old palmento in one of their vineyards as a winery. Barrel storage is in the little old cellar of the family house in the center of Trecastagni." - Andrew Guard