The Pianta vineyard has been in Ciro’s family for hundreds of years; it is on the terraced slopes of an old crater on the South side of Mt Etna. Ciro ferments in oak, then age in the oak because a byproduct of the fermentation in oak prevents the wine from picking up too much oak character. Notes of yellow flowers, apricot, and herbs — round, lush, and mineral.
Beautiful with seafood or roast chicken.
A single vineyard Carricante from the volcanic soil of Mount Etna - specifically from the Ronzini area (contrada) which is planted at elevations of 650 meters above sea level. After fermentation this wine was aged in old barrels (225L & 500L) gives this white a richness reminiscent of a fine white Burgundy which was very much intended. Adding to the richness is the dense planting of the vines which is 8000 plants per hectare. This density makes the vine struggle further which results in further richness.
Geology is mind-blowing. The soils' components that give wine-growing regions around the world their special terroirs were once buried far beneath the surface of this planet. This is like a lush white Burgundy aged on the ocean floor. Ciro Biondi's wines are a perfect example of this high/low, interior/exterior dichotomy. The volcanic soils of Mount Etna are extremely varied due to the various lava flows that its many eruptions have gifted its surface. Ungrafted vines produce crystalline whites that show off their minerality beautifully. His winemaking techniques are much more Burgundian in fashion, and this contrast makes for absolute fireworks! Orchard fruits, garrigue, and sea salt suggest almost a dry white vermouth.
