Maugeri Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Volpare 2024

Maugeri Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Volpare 2024 captures the pure, volcanic soul of Mount Etna in a finely chiselled, mineral-driven white. Crafted entirely from Carricante, this is a precise, elegant wine that balances bright citrus, salinity and tension with beautiful depth. As an Etna Bianco Superiore from the historic Milo area, it represents the most classic and age-worthy expression of Etna’s white wines.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2024 Etna Bianco Superiore shows a pale straw-yellow color with greenish reflections, hinting at its youthful vibrancy and freshness. The nose is immediately expressive and refined, with notes of lemon zest, grapefruit, green apple and white peach, layered over wild herbs, fennel, wet stone and a distinct maritime salinity. Subtle floral tones—like acacia and lemon blossom—add lift and complexity. On the palate, the wine is linear and precise, with a firm spine of acidity that Carricante is renowned for. Flavors of citrus, crunchy orchard fruit and unripe nectarine are woven together with smoky volcanic minerality and a gentle, savory undertone. The texture is both taut and silky, with a long, mouthwatering finish that leaves impressions of sea spray, lime and crushed rock. While already very enjoyable in its youthful, electric phase, this 2024 vintage has the structure and acidity to develop gracefully for 6–10 years, gaining more complexity, honeyed nuances and tertiary mineral notes over time.

Production
Contrada Volpare lies on the cool, eastern slopes of Mount Etna, within the commune of Milo—home to the Etna Bianco Superiore denomination. Here, Carricante vines root deeply into volcanic sands and decomposed lava, at altitude, where strong diurnal temperature shifts preserve acidity and aromatic precision. Grapes are typically harvested by hand in small crates to protect the delicate berries and allow for careful selection in the vineyard. In the cellar, the fruit is gently pressed and the must is fermented at controlled temperatures to capture the grape’s pure aromatics and saline character. The wine is then aged—most often in stainless steel or neutral vessels—on fine lees for added texture and complexity, while retaining the crystalline freshness that defines Etna’s best whites.

Food & Serving
This Etna Bianco Superiore is a natural partner for seafood: think oysters, raw or marinated shellfish, grilled prawns, octopus, and delicate white fish with citrus or herb-based sauces. It also pairs beautifully with Sicilian-inspired dishes such as pasta alle vongole, swordfish with capers and lemon, or vegetable-based plates with fennel, zucchini, or artichokes, as well as fresh goat’s cheeses. Serve chilled, ideally at 8–10°C, to highlight its tension and minerality. A brief decant of 15–20 minutes can help the wine open up aromatically, especially in its first few years, revealing more layers of citrus, herbs and volcanic smoke.

Producer
Maugeri is a quality-focused, family-run estate on the slopes of Mount Etna, dedicated to expressing the character of the volcano through native varieties like Carricante and Nerello Mascalese. Based in the prestigious Milo area, the domaine is part of the new generation driving Etna’s renaissance, working with high-altitude vineyards and volcanic soils to craft precise, terroir-driven wines. With a strong commitment to careful vineyard work and minimal-intervention winemaking, Maugeri has quickly gained a reputation among Etna enthusiasts for wines that combine purity, tension and authenticity, offering some of the most compelling expressions of Etna Bianco Superiore from this historic region.