Maugeri Etna Bianco Superiore DOC Contrada Praino 'Frontemare' 2022
$153.00
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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.
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"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
"The 2022 Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Praino Frontemare opens slowly with a nuanced blend of citrus-tinged green apples, ginger and candied lime. This is cool-toned in feel, with soft textures and ripe orchard fruits that swirl across a core of brisk acidity. Its minerality comes through on the flinty, stony finish, tapering off with a subtle hint of chamomile." 93 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
