2022 Pietradolce Etna Bianco Archineri DOC, Sicily

The 2022 Etna Bianco Archineri wafts up with a spicy blend of dusty dried flowers, shaved ginger and zest of lime. Itʼs round and supple, with a pretty inner sweetness and ripe orchard fruits offset by a core of tactile minerals. Brisk acidity adds a mouthwatering quality through the close as this finishes with medium length, leaving behind hints of candied citrus and fresh mint. The Pietradolce portfolio stands out for its stylish personality and polish, all while maintaining a sense of place. The wines are often racy and fruit-focused, yet there’s no denying the transparency of terroir that can be observed from bottle to bottle. The Etna Rosso consistently over-delivers, as does their Rosato. That said, the real magic takes place within their cru wines.

The winery, established in 2005 on the north face of Etna, employs the help of consulting winemaker Carlo Ferrini. The 2020s at Pietradolce are widely successful, showing a liveliness imparted by zesty acidity and a core of succulent ripe fruit. What’s more, as approachable as they will be in the next few years, a balance within promises steady evolution. At this address, I also tasted one of the most compelling interpretations of the Rampante vineyard I’ve encountered. The 2020 is sublime.

93 points Eric Guido vinous.com

A rare and exceptional white wine from Sicily, crafted by one of the region’s most respected producers. Located on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, Pietradolce specializes in expressing the unique terroir of this volcanic landscape through their meticulous winemaking and deep respect for tradition.

Founded in 2005, Pietradolce is a family-run winery that has quickly risen to prominence for its dedication to showcasing the indigenous grape varieties of Etna. Their vineyards, many of which feature ancient vines over 100 years old, are planted in the fertile, mineral-rich volcanic soils that give their wines remarkable depth and character. The Archineri Etna Bianco is made exclusively from Carricante, a rare and ancient white grape variety that thrives in this unique environment.

The winery’s philosophy revolves around minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the cellar, allowing the natural expression of the grapes and terroir to take center stage. The Archineri Etna Bianco is crafted using fruit from Pietradolce’s highest-altitude vineyards, located between 850 and 900 meters above sea level. This elevation, combined with the volcanic soil and cooling breezes, creates ideal conditions for producing wines of exceptional vibrancy, complexity, and aging potential.

The wine offers aromas of citrus blossoms, green apple, and white peach, with nuances of wet stone and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it is crisp and elegant, with flavors of lemon zest, pear, and a subtle saline minerality that speaks to its volcanic origins. A long, textured finish reflects the meticulous care taken in its production.

Rare and highly sought after, the Archineri Etna Bianco represents a true taste of Etna’s unique viticulture. It pairs beautifully with seafood, grilled fish, or light pasta dishes, and it has the structure to evolve gracefully in the cellar over the next 5–7 years.