Nicosia Monte Gorna Etna Bianco

Nicosia Monte Gorna Etna Bianco

Wine Description

The Nicosia “Cru” wines of Etna come from the Monte Gorna estate, located in the Trecastagni area, very close to the wine cellar. A red and a white wine, made with organic grapes, that authentically represent the great expression that this terroir and its native vines can offer. These DOC wines are the demonstration that on the volcano each slope, each area, each vineyard can produce wines with different characteristics, giving unique and unrepeatable sensations. The composition of the eruptive materials gave life to composite soils, often made up small sized pumice stones, known as "ripiddu", found mostly on extinguished volcanic cones such as Monte Gorna; thier elevated drainage capacity and their wealth of potassium paly an important role in balancing the grape's maturation process. Even the climate distinguishes the Etna area respect to the rest of Sicily. The average temperatures on the mountains are lower and the climate also changes depending on the slope and the alyitude. From a winemaking standpoint, the wine diurnal temperature range is fundamental, as it gives the wines their goog freshness and elegant aromas. Carricante is an indigenous white grape cultivated exclusively on Etna and its name refers to the plant considerable productivity. In fact, the name Carricante refres to a "plant full of fruits".

Alessandro LoGenco, Agronomist of Nicosia Winery
Bunch of Nerello Mascalese grapes
Bunches of Frappato grapes Nicosia Vineyards in Vittoria
Cantine Nicosia with Mt. Etna in the background
Carmelo Nicosia current owner
Foto4 MonteGorna Vineyards Etna
Harvest in the Vittoria vineyards
Maria Carella, Nicosia Winemaker
Nicosia brand detail
Sunrise during the harvest in Etna vineyards
Vineyards of MonteGorna Etna drone
Vittoria Vineyards
Vittoria Vineyards
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Acclaim
“Lots of richness and depth to this, with dried pear and apple aromas and flavors. Some nuttiness to it. Full and layered. Rather phenolic. More like a skin-contact white. From organically grown grapes.”
— James Suckling, Aug 2022
“The 2021 Etna Bianco Contrada Monte Gorna is airy and lifted, as notes of chamomile, crushed rocks and hints of honeydew melon form is bouquet. It’s silky-smooth and savory in style with saline-mineral tones up front that give way to tart orchard fruits. While a bit short, this leaves a salty flourish through the finale, along with hints of ground ginger that make for a spicy sendoff. The Contrada Monte Gorna is nicely balanced and packed full of character.”
— Vinous, Jun 2022
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Vineyard & Production Info
Production area/appellation:
ETNA DOC
Vineyard name
C.da Monte Gorna
Vineyard size
10 ha acres
Elevation:
2460 feet
Exposure:
southeastern
Harvest time:
between the second and third week of October
Bottles produced of this wine:
15,000
Average Vine Age:
25 years
Certified Eco-Friendly Practices:
Made with Organic Grapes
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Winemaking & Aging
Maceration length:
cold macerated for 24 hours
Varietal composition:
80% carricante; 20% catarratto
Fermentation container:
stainless steel tank
Length of alcoholic fermentation:
20-25 days days
Fermentation temperature:
controlled temperature of 13-15°C °F
Maceration technique:
cryomaceration
Type of aging container:
mainly in stainless steel vats and a short ageing in acacia tonneaux
Length of bottle aging:
4 months
Total SO2
140
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Analytical Data
pH level:
3.27
Acidity:
5.7 g/L
Alcohol:
13 %
Dry extract:
23.7 g/L
Total SO2
140
Residual sugar:
1.13 g/L
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Wine Production

Widely grown on the Eastern side of the volcano, this grape variety provides the base for Etna Bianco DOC, which gives freshness and elegant aromas. Catarratto is Sicily's most widely grown white grape. It has various clones that differ in the color and shape of the clusters, and it is often blended whit other varieties, as in the case of Etna Bianco DOC, which gives good structure and balance.