Region: Sicily, Italy (Terre Siciliane IGT)
Grapes: 70% Carricante, 30% Catarratto (plus small amounts of Minnella, Grecanico, and Inzolia)
Body: Medium
Notes: Lemon zest, white peach, yellow wildflowers, aromatic herbs, flinty smoke, saline minerality, succulent texture
Pairing: Grilled white fish, Sicilian caponata, citrus-marinated chicken, pasta with sardines, arancini
Grottafumata is the passion project of Mauro Cutuli and Mariangela Prestifilippo, who initially gained fame not for wine, but for their extraordinary olive oil produced from ancient groves on the west side of Mount Etna. The name "Grottafumata" refers to a volcanic cave near their vineyards where smoke and vapor often emerge, a constant reminder of the "living" volcano beneath their feet. This 2020 bianco is a rare "Lato Sud" (South Side) expression, sourced from vines ranging between 40 and 100 years old rooted in decomposed lava stone. Mauro utilizes a short three-day skin maceration in amphora before aging the wine in stainless steel, a technique that coaxes out a "cloud-like" ethereal texture while preserving the sharp, salty energy that Carricante is famous for. It’s a soulful tribute to Etna’s viticultural history, crafted by a family that treats their vines with the same reverence as their centuries-old olive trees.
Region: Sicily, Italy (Terre Siciliane IGT)
Grapes: 70% Carricante, 30% Catarratto (plus small amounts of Minnella, Grecanico, and Inzolia)
Body: Medium
Notes: Lemon zest, white peach, yellow wildflowers, aromatic herbs, flinty smoke, saline minerality, succulent texture
Pairing: Grilled white fish, Sicilian caponata, citrus-marinated chicken, pasta with sardines, arancini
Grottafumata is the passion project of Mauro Cutuli and Mariangela Prestifilippo, who initially gained fame not for wine, but for their extraordinary olive oil produced from ancient groves on the west side of Mount Etna. The name "Grottafumata" refers to a volcanic cave near their vineyards where smoke and vapor often emerge, a constant reminder of the "living" volcano beneath their feet. This 2020 bianco is a rare "Lato Sud" (South Side) expression, sourced from vines ranging between 40 and 100 years old rooted in decomposed lava stone. Mauro utilizes a short three-day skin maceration in amphora before aging the wine in stainless steel, a technique that coaxes out a "cloud-like" ethereal texture while preserving the sharp, salty energy that Carricante is famous for. It’s a soulful tribute to Etna’s viticultural history, crafted by a family that treats their vines with the same reverence as their centuries-old olive trees.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is wine made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, using organically or biodynamically grown grapes and without the addition of chemicals or additives such as sulfites. The result is a wine that is unique, expressive, and often has a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than conventional wines. Natural wine is also often associated with sustainable and ethical farming practices, making it a popular choice for those interested in environmentally friendly and socially responsible products.