Graci Arcuria Etna Bianco

On the northern face of Etna, in the village of Passopisiciaro—at an altitude of approximately 600 metres above sea level—the Graci winery cultivates its vineyards.

A cradle of great wines. A cradle of millennia-old tradition. Passopisciaro is one of those magical corners where wine is more a religion than a way of life. In the heart of the Alcántara Valley, amidst sandy soils rich in iron and nitrogen, over 20 hectares of vineyards are cultivated on this estate. They are divided into five major zones. Contrada Arcuria (2.5 hectares) is one of them. And here is where Graci Arcuria Etna Bianco is born.

A natural amphitheatre, exposed to the battle of cold and dry northern winds—where the grapes manage to ripen properly despite difficult years—are the main characteristics of this vineyard where nerello mascalese, carricante, and catarratto are cultivated. In fact, at Graci only indigenous varieties are worked with, placing special emphasis on sustainability and always opting for organic farming. Thus, the vines, ranging from 15 to 70 years old, grow in a fully respected environment, where every element of the ecosystem is tremendously important: from the first bunch to the last insect. Only a little copper and some sulphur have been used. Some of the vines are planted on their own rootstock, with a density of 10,000 units per hectare.

In each of these plots, yields are maximally restricted, aiming for the material that reaches the winery to have the potential of a robust, characterful, and elegant wine. Graci Arcuria Etna Bianco more than meets these expectations, fermenting in two different vessels: concrete and large, very old oak barrels (previously used for other ageing processes). Both materials appear to be ideal for showcasing the nuances and personality of the Etna terroir. Here it will remain for maturation. If Graci Arcuria Etna Bianco is thriving, why change? Thus, the white wine will stay in contact with the lees in these containers for about a year, followed by another year in the bottle.

We assure you that you have never been shown the grandeur of Etna in this way. We assure you that there is no other wine like Graci Arcuria Etna Bianco.