Maugeri Etna Bianco Superiore DOC Contrada Praino 'Frontemare' 2023
$153.00
This product is currently sold out.
100% Carricante grapes grown in sandy decomposed lava soil in Milo (Contrada Praino), on the east side of Mount Etna. ‘Frontebosco’ is a single, east facing parcel of 1.5 hectares that is separated from Volpare to the north by a ravine. The vines were planted in 2019 (south side) and 2021 (north side) on dry, lava stone wall terraces at about 700 metres above sea level. The soil here is richer in clay and also sandier than in Volpare. The grapes are harvested by hand in early October then taken to the cellar and left in the press at low temperature for 6 hours. The whole bunches are then softly pneumatic-pressed, with 70% of the must fermented in French oak tonneaux of 500 litres and 30% stainless steel. After fermentation the wine is aged in these vessels for 8 months before bottling. Malo-lactic fermentation is not carried out.
"Etna Bianco is another category that has become much more important over the last few years. Arguably the best examples are from the Milo district on the east slope of Etna. This single vineyard offering has tremendous depth of fruit, superb varietal character and outstanding persistence - this is a vibrant white wine. There is the structure and stuffing with this wine for at least a decade of aging potential. Based on this vintage (2022) as well as the 2021, this is one of Italy’s finest white wines!" Tom Hyland, Forbes
“Understated and delicate, the 2023 Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Praino Frontemare slowly evolves with a whiff of peach sorbet, sage and stone dust. This soothes with its supple textures and ripe pit fruits, all enlivened by tantalizing acidity as sweet inner florals arch across the palate. Lively and clean, the 2023 leaves the senses completely reset for another sip as nuances of chamomile and spice fade on the finish. This is so pretty today but could use more time to develop its aromatics in the bottle.” 92+ points - Eric Guido, Vinous
“Light greenish gold, this wine smells of candied lemon, citrus pith, and a hint of nut skin. In the mouth, silky textures give the wine a fuller body with flavors of citrus pith and lemon zest, grapefruit zest, and a hint of vanilla. Great acidity and minerality. 100% Carricante grown at 700 meters, aged in a combination of steel and tonneaux. 12.5% alcohol.” Alber Yarrow, Vinography
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