Unlike our Etna Bianco DOC, which is made up of a blend of 5 white grapes, the “Vigne Niche” selection is only Carricante.
“I decided to produce it in 2007, after having been lucky enough to taste a 42-year-old Carricante on two separate occasions. This wine turned out to be so beautiful, so impeccable and vigorous despite its venerable age, that I was moved to try to produce something similar. I tried to imagine how an evidently talented winemaker had produced such a wine, moreover virtually without any technological help. And I tried to imitate what I had imagined. The “Vigne Niche” selection is the result. ” Marco de Grazia
Then came 2014. An important vintage: seven years earlier we had planted Carricante vineyards on our side, the northern one, historically dedicated exclusively to great reds. The great quality of the grapes, combined with the vigorous age of the vines, has allowed us to broaden the spectrum of taste with the production of two white Crus: an opportunity that came at a very favorable moment, given the success of the Cuvée delle Niche vineyards 2013.
After all, as for the reds, getting to the production of the white Cru is the culmination of a dream, always pursued in a scientific way: from separate vinification to the understanding of which parcel was adequate, which soil and what work was necessary to arrive to the long awaited aim.
The two white Crus from the Northern area, denominated with the Contradas of origin, respectively Calderara Sottana and Santo Spirito, are composed of Carricante from old and young vines, as to find excellent Carricante in an area of ​​the DOC mainly dedicated to reds it’s not easy.
The wines are fermented and aged in 10-hectolitre barrels. They are wines whose rare complexity and structure bloom wonderfully over time. Of great longevity, they will reward your patience with a beauty of unusual nobility.
Between the two crus, Calderara Sottana has the densest, most masculine character: an intense, long, very long, majestic wine. We believe our new Carricante plants, located in the highest part of Calderara, will complete it with added agility and fresh vigor.