Way before White Lotus brought the volcanic wines of Sicily’s Mount Etna to the world stage, Duca di Salaparuta embraced what Etna imparts to the landscape of wine.  It’s a magical place, where an alchemy of volcanic soils, varying mountain elevations and Mediterranean Sea breezes culminate in magnetic wines of unique character.  Here, Duca di Salaparuta’s new project, Lavico Etna DOC wines, have taken root, capturing the essence of Etna in a bottle.

Vajasindi Estate on the northeastern slopes of Mount Etna, Courtesy of Duca di Salaparuta

Volcanic soils in Vajasindi Estate, Courtesy of Duca di Salaparuta

Etna’s energy percolates throughout its ancient lava flows, and the recurring volcanic activity creates many different terroirs on its slopes, blending volcanic soils with high altitude and maritime influences.  Indigenous wine grape varietals that have stood the test of time rise from their historical roots, and from this crucible springs wines of elegance, with bright acidity, structure and a mineral spine that weaves vivid aromas and flavors around its core.

Vajasindi Estate, Courtesy of Duca di Salaparuta

Nerello Mascalese grapes in Vajasindi Estate, Courtesy of Duca di Salaparuta

For almost 200 years, Duca di Salaparuta has made wine in Sicily, and today, the Duca di Salaparuta Group is comprised of three historic wine brands, making up the largest private wine group in Sicily.  They are dedicated to expressing thousands of years of history in the glass, through the different estates across the island, blending tradition and modern winemaking.  Their new project, Lavico Etna DOC wines are the result of several years of experimentation and research at the Vajasindi Estate on the northeastern slopes of Etna.  Terraced vineyards at 2,000 feet above sea level provide a distinctive cradle for the Carricante and Nerello Mascalese grapes, two varietals that best capture the essence of the volcano.  Sustainably farmed, a vivid Etna Bianco and Rosso are produced.

The Lavico Etna Bianco DOC 2021, 100% Carricante, is vibrant and intense, with fresh aromas of peach, citrus and exotic fruit, white pepper, and an iodine note wrapped around a mineral body, channeling a savory yet fresh and fruity wine with a full-bodied saline structure.  There is an energy that runs through the palate, a slight stony character that is balanced by a softness and warmth, which carries through the racy finish.  Hand-harvested, the grapes are vinified and aged in stainless steel tanks to preserve the fresh fruit character and energy of the wine.  This is a fabulous seafood wine, and a perfect match would be Spaghetti with clams and bottarga.

The Lavico Etna Rosso DOC 2020, 100% Nerello Mascalese, is intriguing in its complexity, a transparent ruby color belies the structure, fragrant aromas of red berry fruit, pomegranate, black pepper spice, balsamic and smoky mineral notes cling to its elegant body.  Fresh, yet with a delicate salty tang, this well-balanced, juicy wine is framed by friendly tannins, and its persistent finish echoes on the palate.  Hand-harvested, fermented in stainless steel tanks, and aged partly in concrete tanks and partly in French oak barrels, it yields a delicate, lively red that pairs so well with fish-based dishes, mature cheeses or grilled meats.

Lavico Etna DOC wines manifest Etna’s volcanic terroir and bring the exotic spirit of Sicily to the glass, a true eruption of aromas and flavors that you can enjoy from wherever you drink wine.