Etna Bianco ANTHEMIS DOC MONTELEONE

Monteleone’s Anthemis Etna Bianco DOC is a white wine produced on Mount Etna, on the eastern flank of the volcano, in the Sant’Alfio area, at an altitude of around 700–900 metres. It is made exclusively from Carricante grapes, a native Sicilian variety particularly suited to the production of mineral-driven, long-lived whites with great freshness. The vineyard is situated on volcanic soils, rich in sand and minerals, strongly influenced by the proximity of the Ionian Sea, which helps to give the wines a savoury and distinctly terroir-driven profile. The winemaking process is characterised by the utmost delicacy to preserve the varietal identity of Carricante. The grapes are harvested by hand in the early hours of the morning and transported to the winery in small crates, where they are immediately destemmed and subjected to soft pressing. The resulting must is left to settle naturally for around 48 hours and then ferments in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, so as to keep the primary aromatic components and the freshness of the fruit intact. The wine is then aged for around 12 months on the fine lees in French oak tonneaux, with frequent bâtonnage, and completes its development with further ageing in the bottle before release.

Characteristics of this Sicilian wine

From an organoleptic perspective, Anthemis has a bright straw-yellow colour, sometimes with golden highlights. On the nose, it offers a delicate and complex bouquet, characterised by citrus notes, white flowers and the mineral and marine nuances typical of Etna wines. More developed sensations may also emerge, evoking flint, Mediterranean herbs and light spicy notes resulting from ageing on the lees and in wood. On the palate, the wine is vibrant and taut, supported by a pronounced acidity and a marked mineral savouriness that lengthens its flavour progression. The structure is balanced, with a fresh, dynamic and persistent mouthfeel, finishing with citrus and salty notes typical of the volcanic terroir. Overall, this is an Etna Bianco of great expressive precision, in which Carricante authentically interprets the volcanic terroir, combining freshness, minerality and aromatic depth in an elegant and contemporary style.

Recommended pairings for this white wine from Cantina Monteleone

For the Anthemis Etna Bianco DOC – Monteleone, the pairings and serving temperature are closely linked to its volcanic character, the pronounced acidity of the Carricante grape, and the strong savoury notes that characterise Etna wines. From a gastronomic perspective, this wine is at its best with seafood dishes, particularly those characterised by delicacy and aromatic purity. It is particularly well-suited to shellfish, fish tartare, carpaccio and raw or lightly marinated dishes, where its freshness and minerality can interact without being overpowered. It also pairs very well with fish-based first courses, risottos and pasta with simple sauces, as well as light seafood soups and baked or grilled fish main courses. Fresh and lightly matured cheeses also make a good pairing, thanks to the wine’s ability to cleanse the palate and enhance the delicacy of the cheese. The ideal serving temperature is between 8 and 10 °C.