Tasting Notes
Unlike our Etna Bianco DOC, which is made up of a blend of 5 white grapes, the “Vigne Niche” selection is only Carricante. The 15-30 year old vines are planted on volcanic, extremely stony, shallow soils, very rich in sand on the north side of Etna, from 600 to 650 meters above sea level. The wine is fermented and aged in 10-hectolitre barrels whose rare complexity and structure bloom wonderfully over time. Of great longevity, they will reward your patience with a beauty of unusual nobility. Calderara Sottana has the densest, most masculine character of the white crus: 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 vigour. - Producer Note
An increased focus on the environment and an awareness of sustainable agriculture have given rise to a huge increase in organic viticulture. This is an exciting area of growth in the world of wine, and if done right, one that leads to better wines, healthier vines and soils, and less stress on the earth.
But what makes a wine organic?
Organic wine refers to a method of farming, rather than winemaking. It all starts in the vineyard, where vignerons and viticulturalists no longer use synthetic or systemic pesticides, herbicides or fertilisers. Instead they opt for organic compounds such as copper and sulfur, which can help reduce he pressure of disease and pests. This results in much better vine and soil health, with no unwanted chemicals leeching into local rivers and waterways through run-off.
Organic farming is not to be confused with Biodynamic farming which, although similar, is a different approach and requires many more specific practices. These practices such as specific soil preparations, and lunar-cycle harvesting are not necessary to achieve an organic system.
It is important to note that organic wines can still have sulphur dioxide added to them. Sulphur is an organic compound, and therefore winemakers are free to add it to their wines, and still achieve organic certification. Winemakers will often add sulphur to help stabilise the wine and protect it from oxygen come bottling time. The wine will still be completely organic, assuming the proper farming practices have been adhered to.
| Product Type | Wine White Other Varietals & Blends |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Sub Region | Etna |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |