Cottanera Etna Bianco Contrada Calderara 2023

Cottanera Etna Bianco Contrada Calderara 2023 is a refined expression of Carricante from the black, stony slopes of Mount Etna. Sourced from one of the estate’s most distinctive crus, this Etna Bianco DOC captures both the warmth of Sicily and the spine-tingling freshness that Etna whites are famous for. It is crafted to showcase the singular character of the Calderara contrada, where ancient lava flows and volcanic stones shape a wine of tension, depth and minerality.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Contrada Calderara 2023 shines a pale straw yellow with bright green hues, crystal-clear and youthful. The nose is vibrant and refined, opening with lively citrus tones—lemon zest, lime and grapefruit—layered with white flowers such as broom and lemon blossom. Subtle notes of crushed stone, sea spray, and Mediterranean herbs emerge with air, alongside a delicate hint of capers and wild fennel that speaks of its volcanic origin. On the palate, this is a precise and energetic Carricante, combining ripe, sun-kissed fruit with a racy, almost electric acidity. Flavours of lemon, green apple and Amalfi lemon peel are intertwined with saline, iodine-tinged minerality and savoury nuances reminiscent of capers, thyme and rosemary. The texture is sleek yet mouthwatering, with a long, linear finish that leaves a chalky, salty impression. Enjoyable now for its tension and aromatic clarity, it has the structure and acidity to evolve beautifully over the next 5–8 years, gaining more complexity and subtle honeyed, nutty tones with time in bottle.

Production
Contrada Calderara lies on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, where old lava flows and fields of black volcanic stones (the famous “calderara”) create extremely well-drained, poor soils that naturally limit yields and intensify flavour. Vines here benefit from marked day–night temperature swings, preserving acidity and aromatic precision despite Sicily’s sun. Grapes are typically harvested by hand to allow precise selection in the vineyard, then gently pressed to protect their delicate aromatics. Fermentation usually takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel to preserve freshness and purity, with the wine resting on fine lees for several months to add subtle creaminess and complexity without overshadowing the mineral backbone that defines Etna Bianco.

Food & Serving
This Etna Bianco is a natural match for the flavours of the Mediterranean. Pair it with grilled or oven-baked fish, crudo, oysters, prawns and shellfish, or try it alongside octopus salad, seafood risotto, or pasta with clams. Its saline edge also works beautifully with dishes featuring capers, citrus, herbs and olive oil, as well as fresh goat’s or young pecorino cheeses. Serve well-chilled but not icy, around 10–12°C, to allow the aromatics to open fully. A brief 20–30 minutes in the fridge, then a few minutes in the glass, is ideal; decanting is generally not necessary, though a larger white wine glass will help reveal its layers.

Producer
Cottanera is one of the pioneering estates on Mount Etna’s northern slopes, a key player in the renaissance that has made Etna one of Italy’s most exciting wine regions. Founded in the 1990s on the banks of the Alcantara River, the family-run winery has steadily focused on expressing the individuality of Etna’s contrade—its distinct vineyard sites shaped by different lava flows and altitudes. Today, Cottanera is recognised for its meticulous vineyard work, commitment to indigenous varieties like Carricante and Nerello Mascalese, and a style that balances volcanic minerality with elegance and precision. Their single-contrada bottlings, such as Contrada Calderara, are among the most acclaimed interpretations of Etna’s unique volcanic terroir.

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