2021 Grolleau “Franc de Pied”Bernard Baudry
France | Loire
$36
Producers
Few places can produce a white that is an island wine, a volcanic wine, and a mountain wine all at once. But when the vineyards are situated high on the slopes of Etna, the active stratovolcano that towers almost eleven thousand feet over the Mediterranean, the stage is clearly set for something special and totally unparalleled in the world of wine. Factor in ancient practices and own-rooted vines surpassing a century in age, and Etna is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating grape-growing regions on Earth.
Carmelo Vecchio and Rosa La Guzza’s white captures every element of this spectacular setting, from the fresh herbal and lively citrusy notes that come from being so high up, to the subtle grit and salinity only achievable from volcanic vineyards in the middle of the sea, to the textural intrigue born from a brief skin maceration, as Etna tradition dictates. Serve it cool—not cold—and let it breathe as it slowly uncoils and brings all its intricacies to the table.
—Anthony Lynch
Wine Type: | white |
Vintage: | 2018 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | 90% Carricante, 10% indigenous varieties (Minnella, Inzolia, Grecancico, Catarratto) |
Appellation: | IGT Terre Siciliane |
Country: | Italy |
Region: | Sicily |
Producer: | Vigneti Vecchio |
Winemaker: | Carmelo Vecchio |
Vineyard: | 1.5 ha total, vines 40-100 years old |
Soil: | Volcanic, Clay-Limestone |
Farming: | Organic (practicing) |
Alcohol: | 11% |
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily | Etna
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily | Terre Siciliane Rosso
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily | Carricante Sicilia
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily | Terre Siciliane Rosso
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
Carmelo Vecchio and his wife, Rosa La Guzza, did not come from afar to make wine on Etna: they are true locals, raised in the heart of the vineyards. Carmelo began working at the nearby Passopisciaro winery at a young age, and after fifteen years of hands-on experience, the time came to strike out on his own. From barely one hectare of vines up to 130 years old inherited from Rosa’s family, the couple took matters into their own hands: sustainable farming by hand, with the goal of achieving an elegant balance in the grapes; micro-vinifications in the tiny cellar beneath their home, with respect for tradition and terroir; and aging the wines in used barrels before bottling without fining or filtration.
Italy’s southernmost region and the largest island in the Mediterranean, Sicily has no shortage of sunshine to grow high-quality grapes on a yearly basis. It also does not lack a history of winemaking: since the Greeks settled here almost three millennia ago, the vine has played a major role in the island’s agricultural makeup. Production of cheap bulk wine for blending dominated much of its recent history until now, as we are witnessing a quality revolution that puts forth its great diversity and quality of terroirs, indigenous grape varieties, and local production methods.
While Sicily’s historical reputation is for sweet wines—Marsala and the Muscats of Pantelleria stand out—a number of dry whites and reds are enjoying the spotlight today. The cooler, high-altitude slopes of Etna, with its ashy volcanic soils, have seen an explosion of activity from producers both local and foreign; both whites (primarily from Carricante) and reds (Nerello Mascalese) here are capable of uncommon freshness and finesse. Other noteworthy wine regions are Eloro, where Nero d’Avola gives its best; Noto, an oasis of dry and sweet Moscatos; Vittoria, with its supple, perfumed Frappatos; and Salina, where Malvasia makes thirst-quenching dry whites and deliciously succulent passiti.
Countless foreign invasions over the centuries have given Sicilian architecture and cuisine a unique exotic twist, making it a fascinating destination for gourmands as well as wine importers. With a wealth of dedicated artisans proud to show off the riches of their land, you can bet there are many exciting things still to come from this incredible island.
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily | Terre Siciliane Rosso
Riofavara Italy | Sicily | Eloro
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily | Carricante Sicilia
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily | Etna
Masseria del Pino Italy | Sicily
Vigneti Vecchio Italy | Sicily | Terre Siciliane Rosso
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily | IGT Terre Siciliane
Portelli Italy | Sicily | Vittoria Frappato
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
Grottafumata Italy | Sicily
Trust the great winemakers, trust the great vineyards. Your wine merchant might even be trustworthy. In the long run, that vintage strip may be the least important guide to quality on your bottle of wine.—Kermit Lynch
Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol
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