2023 Vivera Altrove Bianco IGP Organic, Mount Etna Sicily

Brilliant straw yellow with greenish-yellow nuances. Warm and inviting on the nose, with ripe stone fruit and hints of tropical fruit, followed by hot stone and some thyme. Subtly fruity on the palate, juicy and slightly mineral on the finish.

91 points falstaff.com

A beautifully vibrant, aromatic and mineral driven white that captures the wild charm of Sicily’s most dramatic winegrowing landscape. The Vivera family farms organically on the northern slopes of Etna at high altitude, where ancient volcanic soils of ash, pumice, basalt and fractured lava create an environment unlike anywhere else in Italy. Cool nights, intense sunlight and constant breezes from the mountain’s shifting air currents help the fruit ripen slowly, building concentration while preserving electric acidity. Altrove is a blend of local and international varieties that thrive in these extreme conditions, each fermented separately with minimal intervention before being assembled into a wine that feels both bright and textural, crisp and quietly complex.

The aromatics are expressive and refreshing. Lemon zest, white peach and green apple sit at the forefront, joined by notes of grapefruit, pear, melon and delicate florals. Beneath the fruit is Etna’s unmistakable signature: crushed volcanic stone, smoke tinged minerality and a faint saline thread carried by the mountain winds. As the wine opens, hints of almond blossom, fresh herbs, chamomile and tangerine peel weave through the bouquet, giving it depth without weight.

The palate is lively, silky and beautifully shaped. Citrus and orchard fruit glide across a lightly waxy, lees enriched texture that creates gentle roundness while keeping everything crisp. Flavours of lemon curd, peach skin, pear, fennel and subtle spice move in clean layers, supported by bright acidity and a fine, volcanic mineral line that brings tension and length. The finish is long and pure with lingering citrus oil, florals and that signature Etna ash note. A short stint in bottle adds honeyed, herbal and nutty nuances while preserving the wine’s vibrant spine.

Perfect with grilled prawns, swordfish, octopus, pasta with lemon and herbs, Sicilian caponata, arancini, roast chicken, soft cheeses, vegetarian couscous or mezze. Its combination of clarity, minerality and subtle richness makes it an incredibly food friendly white.