Donnafugata Sul Vulcano Etna Bianco

Etna Bianco DOC, Sicilia

DIALOGUE WITH THE ART: a goddess-volcano stands out on the Etna Bianco label by Donnafugata "Sul Vulcano". Its intense colors, red, yellow, iridescent blacks, are those of the highest active volcano in Europe. An ancient, powerful and feminine deity: "the Mountain" as Etna is called by the locals. "Sul Vulcano" is a declaration of love: a pure wine with a marked minerality that makes you breathe the energy of this unique place located in the center of the Mediterranean.

Tasting Notes

Straw yellow in color with golden reflections; the nose has a refined bouquet with mineral notes of flint, citrusy aromas of mandarin and delicate tertiary hints of honey and hay from long ageing. On the palate it is enveloping, fresh and savory, characterized by a marked minerality and persistence; a wine that displays great finesse and complexity.

Perfect with crustaceans, vegetarian first courses and porcini mushrooms. Serve at 10-12 °C.

The 2020 vintage was characterized by regular climatic conditions, by a cold winter, a mild spring, and a summer with a good temperature range; the total rainfall recorded was 792mm, in line with the average of the territory which is 801 mm. The vegetative production cycle was therefore balanced and gave rise to healthy and well-ripened grapes.

*average rainfall recorded in Randazzo since the 2007 harvest; in this territory, the pluviometric data refer to the agricultural year intended from 1 November to 31 October of the following year.

Fermentation in stainless steel, at a temperature of 14-16°C. Aging partly in tanks and partly in French oak (second and third passage barriques) for 10 months and then at least 12 months in bottle before release.

PRODUCTION ZONE: Eastern Sicily, north side of Etna, between Randazzo and Castiglione di Sicilia.
TERRAINS & CLIMATE: altitude from 700 to 750 m a.s.l.; the composition of the sandy texture lavic soil offers a subacid-neutral reaction, with good organic endowment. Deep, rich in minerals, the lavic soil allows strong root growth. This area of the north of the volcano is characterized by precipitations lower than the average of the other slopes of Etna. Summers are cool, characterized by strong temperature changes between day and night.
VINEYARD: etnean Alberello and VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) trained with spurred cordon pruning. Density of about 4,500 plants per hectare with a yield of from 4.5 to 6.5 tons/ha (1.8 tons-2.6 tons/acre).

Denomination: Etna Bianco DOC
Grapes: Carricante, the main white grape variety native of Etna
Alcohol: 12.11% ABV
Total Acidity: 6.6 g/l
pH: 3.20

DIALOGUE WITH THE ART: a goddess-volcano stands out on the Etna Bianco label by Donnafugata "Sul Vulcano". Its intense colors, red, yellow, iridescent blacks, are those of the highest active volcano in Europe. An ancient, powerful and feminine deity: "the Mountain" as Etna is called by the locals. "Sul Vulcano" is a declaration of love: a pure wine with a marked minerality that makes you breathe the energy of this unique place located in the center of the Mediterranean.

Tasting Notes

Straw yellow color with golden reflections; the nose has a refined bouquet of fruit (golden apple) with delicate hints of citrus and Mediterranean herbs (broom), followed by mineral notes of flint. On the palate it is enveloping, fresh and savory, characterized by a marked minerality and persistence; a wine that displays great finesse and complexity.

Perfect with crustaceans, vegetarian first courses and porcini mushrooms. Serve at 10-12 °C.

On Etna the 2019 vintage was a fresh vintage and rainfalls were very similar (802 mm) to the average* (801 mm); it was a typical vintage on Mt. Etna with rainfall that was recorded in spring and summer, quite usual for vineyards over 700 m. a. s. l.; in particular, some rainfall between mid-August and early September exalted freshness and aroma. On this side of the volcano the following weeks were dry; this climatic factor, together with the choice to carry out some thinning, facilitated the desired ripening and the regular course of the harvest. The 2019 white wines are particularly fragrant with excellent acid structure.

*average rainfall recorded in Randazzo since the 2007 harvest; in this territory, the pluviometric data refer to the agricultural year intended from 1 November to 31 October of the following year.

Fermentation in stainless steel, at a temperature of 14-16°C. Aging partly in tanks and partly in French oak (second and third passage barriques) for 10 months and then at least 9 months in bottle before release.

PRODUCTION ZONE: Eastern Sicily, north side of Etna, between Randazzo and Castiglione di Sicilia.
TERRAINS & CLIMATE: altitude from 700 to 750 m a.s.l.; the composition of the sandy texture lavic soil offers a subacid-neutral reaction, with good organic endowment. Deep, rich in minerals, the lavic soil allows strong root growth. This area of the north of the volcano is characterized by precipitations lower than the average of the other slopes of Etna. Summers are cool, characterized by strong temperature changes between day and night.
VINEYARD: etnean Alberello and VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) trained with spurred cordon pruning. Density of about 4,500 plants per hectare with a yield of from 4.5 to 6.5 tons/ha (1.8 tons-2.6 tons/acre).

Denomination: Etna Bianco DOC
Grapes: Carricante, the main white grape variety native of Etna
Alcohol: 12.68% ABV
Total Acidity: 6.2 g/l
pH: 3.24.

Sul Vulcano 2018 is a wine that displays great elegance and complexity.  On the nose, it presents with a refined bouquet of fruit (golden delicious apple), delicate hints of citrus and Mediterranean herbs.  On the palate it is round, fresh and savory, characterized by a distinctive minerality and a remarkable finish.

Tasting Notes

Straw yellow color with golden reflections; the nose has a refined bouquet of fruit (golden delicious apple) with delicate hints of citrus and Mediterranean herbs, followed by mineral notes of flint. On the palate it is round, fresh and savory, characterized by a marked minerality and persistence; a wine that displays great elegance and complexity.      

Perfect with crustaceans, vegetarian first courses and porcini mushrooms.

GRAPES: Carricante PRODUCTION ZONE: Eastern Sicily, north side of Etna, between Randazzo and Castiglione di Sicilia. TERRAINS & CLIMATE: altitude from 730 to 750 m a.s.l.; the composition of the sandy texture lavic soil offers a subacid-neutral reaction, with good organic endowment. Deep, rich in minerals, the lavic soil allows strong root growth. This area of the north of the volcano is characterized by precipitations lower than the average of the other slopes of Etna. Summers are cool, characterized by strong temperature changes between day and night. VINEYARD: alberello or VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) training with spurred cordon pruning. Density of about 4,500 plants per hectare with a yield of from 4.5 to 6.5 tons/ha (1.8 tons-2.6 tons/acre). VINTAGE: on Etna 2018 was a cooler and rainier vintage than the last two vintages; a typical Etna vintage with rainfall recorded in spring and summer, quite usual for vineyards located higher than 700 m. above sea level; in particular, some rainfall between mid-August and early September exalted freshness and aromas. On this side of the volcano the following weeks were dry; this climatic factor together with the choice of performing some cluster thinning favored the desired ripening and regular harvesting. The 2018 white wines are particularly fragrant with excellent acid structure. HARVEST: manual harvesting of grapes into crates with careful selection of the grapes in the vineyard. The Carricante harvest began on 26/9 and concluded in a few days. VINIFICATION: fermentation in stainless steel, at a temperature of 14-16°C. Aging partly in tanks and partly in French oak (second and third passage barriques) for 10 months and then at least 9 months in bottle before release. ANALYSIS: alcol 12.18 % Vol. – total acidity 6.2 g/l - pH 3.32

Sul Vulcano 2017 is a wine that displays great elegance and complexity.  On the nose, it presents with fine notes of white flowers, citrus fruit and flint. In the mouth it is embracing, fresh and savory, characterized by distinctive minerality and a remarkable finish.

Tasting Notes

Straw yellow color with golden reflections; on the nose it presents a refined bouquet of white flowers combined with delicate citrus and green notes, followed by mineral notes of flint. On the palate it is enveloping, fresh and sapid, characterized by a marked minerality and persistence; a wine that unfolds great elegance and complexity.

Perfect with crustaceans, vegetarian first courses and porcini mushrooms.

  • GRAPES: Carricante - Carricante is an ancient white grape variety cultivated on the slopes of Etna.
  • PRODUCTION ZONE: Eastern Sicily, north side of Etna, between Randazzo and Passopisciaro.
  • TERRAINS & CLIMATE: altitude from 730 to 750 m a.s.l.; the composition of the sandy texture lavic soil offers a subacid-neutral reaction, with good organic endowment. Deep, rich in minerals, the lavic soil allows strong root growth. This area of the north of the volcano has a "climatic pocket" characterized by precipitations lower than the average of the other slopes of Etna. Summers are cool, characterized by strong temperature changes between day and night.
  • VINEYARD: Alberello or VSP (Vertical Shoot Positioning) training with spurred cordon pruning. Density of about 4,500 plants per hectare with a yield of from 4.5 to 6.5 tons/ha (1.8 tons-2.6 tons/acre).
  • VINTAGE: In the 2017 vintage, overall, there was 678 mm of rainfall*, less than the average (788 mm), recorded on the north side of Etna. However, it should be noted that, during almost the entire month of January, snow covered the vineyards, slowly releasing a significant supply of water into the ground. Green pruning – carried out between June and July – aimed to define the vegetation-production balance allowing the vegetative cycle to finish regularly and to give rise to very healthy grapes. Overall, the harvest saw a slight drop in quantity compared to the company’s average. 2017 vintage presents a quality that reaches peaks of excellence: the wines are characterized by extreme cleanliness, freshness and aromatic intensity. (* AGRICULTURAL YEAR: for Etna / Randazzo it is considered from 1 November until October 31st; PRECIPITATION: they are rewoven by SIAS, Sicilian Agrometeorological Service, and their average is calculated in Randazzo since 2007.)
  • HARVEST: manual harvesting of grapes into crates with careful selection of the grapes in the vineyard. The high summer temperatures resulted in ripening about 10 days earlier than the traditional grape ripening period in this territory: thus the Carricante harvest started on 22/9 and concluded on 25/9.
  • VINIFICATION: Fermentation in stainless steel, at a temperature of 14-16°C. Aging partly in tanks and partly in French oak (second and third passage barriques) for 10 months and then at least 9 months in bottle before release.
  • ANALYSIS: alcol 12.65 % Vol. – Total acidity 5.7g/l - pH 3.25

  • 88

    points

    Wine Enthusiast, October 2021

    "Subdued aromas suggesting toasted nuts and yellow apple skin form the subtle nose. The aromas follow on the lean, crisp palate along with hints of Meyer lemon and saline. "

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  • 91

    points

    James Suckling, August 2022

    "Give this a bit of air and you are greeted with aromas of sliced peach, melon and toasted rosemary. Medium-bodied with a nice, silky texture. Nicely balanced with a refreshing finish. Drink now."

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  • 92

    points

    Wine Advocate, October 2021

    "From Donnafugata’s relatively new winery on Mount Etna, the 2018 Etna Bianco Sul Vulcano shows mineral notes or crushed rock and volcanic ash that are delicately interwoven with white peach and Anjou pear. That characteristic sweet versus salty side to Carricante is one of the most enduring and charming traits of this promising white grape. It's a classic appetizer wine for steamed clams and mussels."

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  • 91

    points

    James Suckling, December 2020

    "A medium-bodied, crisp white with aromas and flavors of lemon peel, beeswax, spiced apples and walnuts. Layers of dried pineapple and jack-fruit, too. Lightly oily texture. A little waxy at the end. Drink now."

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  • 91

    points

    Wine Spectator, October 2020

    "A polished white, creamy and lightly mouthwatering, with hints of oak spice and graphite accenting the baked pear, lemon glacé and hazelnut flavors. A tang of salinity shows on the finish. Drink now through 2025. 150 cases imported."

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  • 92

    points

    Wine & Spirits, October 2020

    "Year's Best Etna Wines."

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TRADE & MEDIA ASSETS /////////////////

2020 Donnafugata Sul Vulcano Etna Bianco – Tasting Notes

2019 Donnafugata Sul Vulcano Etna Bianco – Tasting Notes

2017 Donnafugata Sul Vulcano Etna Bianco – 92 points, Wine & Spirits – Shelftalker

2017 Donnafugata Sul Vulcano Etna Bianco – 91 points, Wine Spectator – Shelftalker

2017 Donnafugata Sul Vulcano Etna Bianco – 91 points, James Suckling – Shelftalker

2018 Donnafugata Sul Vulcano Etna Bianco – 92 points, Wine Advocate – Shelftalker

2018 Donnafugata Sul Vulcano Etna Bianco – 91 points, James Suckling – Shelftalker

2018 Donnafugata Sul Vulcano Etna Bianco – Tasting Notes

2017 Donnafugata Sul Vulcano Etna Bianco – Tasting Notes

Donnafugata Sul Vulcano Etna Bianco – Non-Vintage – Label

Donnafugata Sul Vulcano Etna Bianco – Non-Vintage – Bottle