Nicosia Lenza di Munti Etna Bianco

Nicosia Lenza di Munti Etna Bianco

Wine Description

Made with selected grapes grown on lava terraces at an average altitude of 720 m above sea level, these Etna wines represent a unique combination of the typical elegance of mountain wine and minerality due to volcanic origin. The extraordinary wealth of minerals in Etna's volcanic soils is the source of the very sapid and typical flavor of the wines produced here. The quality of the soil is closely tied to Etna’s volcanic origins, as it was formed through the disintegration of lavas with different compositions and from different eras, and eruptive materials such as sands, ashes, pumice stone and “lapilli”. Even the climate distinguishes the Etna area respect to the rest of Sicily. The average temperatures on the mountains are lower and the climate also changes depending on the slope and the alyitude. From a winemaking standpoint, the wine diurnal temperature range is fundamental, as it gives the wines their good freshness and elegant aromas. Carricante is an indigenous white grape cultivated exclusively on Etna and its name refers to the plant considerable productivity. In fact, the name Carricante refres to a "plant full of fruits".

Alessandro LoGenco, Agronomist of Nicosia Winery
Bunch of Nerello Mascalese grapes
Bunches of Frappato grapes Nicosia Vineyards in Vittoria
Cantine Nicosia with Mt. Etna in the background
Carmelo Nicosia current owner
Foto4 MonteGorna Vineyards Etna
Harvest in the Vittoria vineyards
Maria Carella, Nicosia Winemaker
Nicosia brand detail
Sunrise during the harvest in Etna vineyards
Vineyards of MonteGorna Etna drone
Vittoria Vineyards
Vittoria Vineyards
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Acclaim
“Aromas of guava, tangerine and peanut. Medium-bodied with plenty of herbal character. Citrus acidity and a subtle note of lime. Floral, too. Slightly nutty in the finish.”
— James Suckling, Aug 2022
“The 2021 Etna Bianco Lenza di Munti wafts up with a sweetly scented and herbal tinged mix of peach skins, sour melon and tropical florals. This is silky and pliant, also quite savory in style, with notes of yellow apple and a salty flourish toward the close. The mouth is left watering for more, as this tapers off to remnants of orchard fruit and savory spice.”
— Vinous, Jun 2022
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Vineyard & Production Info
Production area/appellation:
ETNA DOC
Vineyard size
85 ha acres
Soil composition
volcanic soil, very rich in minerals
Elevation:
2362 feet
Exposure:
south, southeastern, eastern
Harvest time:
second and third week of October
First vintage of this wine:
2020
Bottles produced of this wine:
50,000
Average Vine Age:
20 years
Certified Eco-Friendly Practices:
yes
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Winemaking & Aging
Maceration length:
cold macerated for 24 hours
Varietal composition:
80% carricante, 20% catarratto
Fermentation container:
stainless steel tank
Length of alcoholic fermentation:
20-25 days days
Fermentation temperature:
controlled temperature of 15-18°C °F
Maceration technique:
cryomaceration
Fining agent:
vegan
Size of aging container:
stainless steel vats
Length of bottle aging:
4 months
Total SO2
108
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Analytical Data
pH level:
3.32
Acidity:
6.4 g/L
Alcohol:
12.8 %
Dry extract:
22.9 g/L
Total SO2
108
Residual sugar:
<1 g/L
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Wine Production

Widely grown on the Eastern side of the volcano, this grape variety provides the base for Etna Bianco DOC, which gives freshness and elegant aromas. Catarratto is Sicily's most widely grown white grape. It has various clones that differ in the color and shape of the clusters, and it is often blended whit other varieties, as in the case of Etna Bianco DOC, which gives good structure and balance.