Description
The Etna PDO is reserved for the following typologies of wine: White, Red, Rosé, Spumante and Spumante Rosé.
Production Area
The production area of Etna PDO is within the territory of numerous municipalities in the Province of Catania, in the Sicily region.
Blends
White: min. 60% Carricante, max. 40% Catarratto Bianco Comune or Lucido, with the addition of Trebbiano, Minnella Bianca and other non-aromatic grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 15%. White Superior: min. 80% Carricante, with the addition of Trebbiano, Minnella Bianca and other non-aromatic grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 20%. Red (incl. Riserva), Rosé: min. 80% Nerello Mascalese, max. 20% Nerello Mantellato (Nerello Cappuccio), with the possible addition of other non-aromatic white grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 10%. Spumante (Rosé or vinified in white): min. 60% Nerello Mascalese, pure or with the addition of other non-aromatic grape berries similar in colour and originating from other grape varieties suitable for cultivation in the concerned area, max. 40%.
Description of product typologies
Etna PDO Bianco is straw-yellow in colour, with golden highlights; the nose displays intense fragrances of pear, ripe apple and citrus fruit with hints of sage; it is fresh on the palate, with a persistent grapefruit finish. It may display Superiore on the label. Etna PDO Rosso has a pale ruby-red colour; the nose is dominated by fragrances of red fruit, floral hints of pansy and geranium and pronounced spicy notes, typical of the variety; the palate is embracing, with smooth and velvety tannins. It can display Riserva on the label if the wine has undergone a minimum aging period of 2 years, at least 12 months of which must be in wood; the aging period commences November 1st of the year in which the grapes were produced. Etna PDO Rosé is pink to ruby-red in colour; it is intense and characteristic on the nose; the palate is dry, harmonious, fresh and light. Etna PDO Spumante is light straw-yellow in colour, with bright green highlights and a fine perlage; the nose is fruity, offering hints of orange blossom flowers and apple; it is dry, fine and harmonious on the palate, supported by acidity and with a persistent aromatic finish. The wine is obtained through the white vinification of red grapes. Etna PDO Spumante Rosé is light pink in colour, acquiring ruby-red highlights with aging, with a fine perlage; the nose is fruity with hints of orange blossom flowers and apple; it is dry, fine and harmonious on the palate, supported by acidity and with a persistent aromatic finish. The wine is obtained from the “rosé vinification” of red grapes, which is the vinification of red and white grapes together, even if they have been mashed separately. The Spumante typology must be obtained exclusively by natural secondary fermentation in bottles and must remain on the lees for at least 18 months.
Additional specifications
The Etna PDO can be accompanied by additional geographical indications referring to the areas, districts and sub-districts from which the grapes originate.
