Etna wine: the volcano of Sicily in a glass
Etna DOC was recognised in 1968, the first DOC in Sicily. The zone wraps around the volcano in the province of Catania and takes in 20 communes, from Randazzo and Castiglione di Sicilia on the north side, through Milo in the east, to Biancavilla and Belpasso in the south-west. The vines grow high, from roughly 400 metres to a little over 1,100 metres above sea level, in black, porous volcanic soil. Many vineyards hold old, sometimes ungrafted bush vines (alberello). In 2011 the rules recognised 133 contrade, Etna's named vineyard sites, which is why labels so often carry names such as Calderara Sottana, Feudo di Mezzo or Santo Spirito.
Nerello Mascalese and Carricante: the grapes of Etna
Etna Rosso and Etna Rosato must contain at least 80 per cent Nerello Mascalese, with Nerello Cappuccio (also called Mantellato) making up the rest. Nerello Mascalese gives pale, perfumed red wines with cherry, raspberry, dried flowers and a smoky, mineral edge, carried by fresh acidity and firm tannins. The style is often compared with Burgundian Pinot Noir or Piedmontese Nebbiolo, and the best wines age for many years. Etna Rosso Riserva must be aged for at least four years, including at least twelve months in wood.
The white grape is Carricante. Etna Bianco needs at least 60 per cent Carricante, usually with Catarratto, and makes taut wines with citrus, green apple, aniseed and a salty, stony finish. Etna Bianco Superiore is the strictest category: at least 80 per cent Carricante, from the commune of Milo on the eastern flank only. There is also Etna Spumante from Nerello Mascalese, often made by the metodo classico.
Etna producers and contrade
The north side, between Randazzo, Passopisciaro and Solicchiata, is home to many of the best-known names. Here you will find Tenuta delle Terre Nere, Girolamo Russo with Feudo, San Lorenzo and 'a Rina, Graci, Passopisciaro, Pietradolce, Tenuta di Fessina with Il Musmeci, Palmento Costanzo, Cottanera and Tasca d'Almerita's Tenuta Tascante. Benanti's Pietra Marina comes from the east side, known above all for white wine.
Not every wine from the volcano carries Etna DOC on the label. Frank Cornelissen bottles MunJebel, Magma and Susucaru as Terre Siciliane IGT, Eduardo Torres Acosta has also chosen IGT for his Versante Nord wines, and Graci's Quota 1000 comes from the Barbabecchi vineyard at about 1,000 metres. Planeta's Eruzione 1614 Carricante is a Sicilia DOC from the Sciaranuova vineyard near Castiglione di Sicilia. The grapes are grown on Etna, so these wines sit here alongside the DOC bottlings. See also the full range from Frank Cornelissen.
Food pairing with Etna Rosso and Etna Bianco
With its acidity and moderate tannins, Etna Rosso is a versatile food wine. Try it with pasta alla Norma, mushrooms, duck, veal, grilled tuna or aged pecorino, ideally served slightly cool. The more powerful contrada wines and the Riserva can handle lamb and game. Etna Bianco suits shellfish, grilled swordfish, raw fish and dishes with lemon and capers. Find more wines from the island under Sicily, or browse our red wine and white wine.
Etna wine FAQ
What is Etna Rosso?
Etna Rosso is red wine from the Etna DOC in Sicily, made from at least 80 per cent Nerello Mascalese with Nerello Cappuccio. It is usually pale in colour, perfumed and fresh, with red fruit, spice and a mineral note.
Which grapes are grown on Etna?
Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio for red and rosé, Carricante and Catarratto for white. Sicily's most widely planted red grape, Nero d'Avola, plays almost no part on Etna.
What is the difference between Etna Bianco and Etna Bianco Superiore?
Etna Bianco requires at least 60 per cent Carricante and can come from anywhere in the DOC. Etna Bianco Superiore requires at least 80 per cent Carricante from the commune of Milo on the east side.
Are all the wines on this page Etna DOC?
Most are. A few producers, such as Frank Cornelissen and Eduardo Torres Acosta, bottle their Etna wines as Terre Siciliane IGT or Sicilia DOC. They are included because the grapes come from the volcano.