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Etna DOC

Etna DOC is a prestigious wine appellation located on the slopes of Mount Etna volcano in northeastern Sicily, featuring high-altitude vineyards (up to 1,100 meters) with mineral-rich volcanic soils and a distinctive microclimate that combines Mediterranean warmth with cool mountain influences. The primary red grape varieties include native Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, producing elegant, structured red wines with bright acidity and mineral complexity, while Carricante is the star white variety, yielding fresh, saline whites with remarkable aging potential. The region has experienced a renaissance in recent decades, gaining international acclaim for its distinctive terroir-driven wines that express the unique volcanic character of Mount Etna.

Region
Sicily
Wines
1

Wines from Etna DOC

A

Alta Mora Etna Rosso

Alta Mora

Red

If you could bottle the essence of a volcano, it might taste something like this. Alta Mora (meaning 'high black') refers to the high-altitude black volcanic soils of Mount Etna where these vines struggle to survive – and produce something magical in the process. This is wine with a genuine sense of place, made from indigenous Nerello Mascalese grapes grown on the slopes of Europe's most active volcano. The Cusumano family, already established winemakers in other parts of Sicily, started this project to showcase the unique terroir of Etna. The result is a wine that balances elegance with wild energy – think Pinot Noir's sophisticated cousin who has a slightly dangerous past. There's a mineral intensity here that can only come from volcanic soil, along with a freshness that defies Sicily's warm reputation. For anyone tired of the same old international varieties, this bottle offers a fascinating detour into one of Italy's most exciting wine regions.