CANTINE maugeri
MT etna (milo ) - sicily
“The Maugeri estate is a relative newcomer, but the wines made here…are excellent; they show the distinctive stamp of this appellation very clearly, with neither flaws nor flashy winemaking to get in the way.”
In 2014, Maugeri sisters Carla, Michela and Paola joined their father, Renato, on a mission to recalibrate their old vineyards on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna in Milo – the only area where Etna Bianco Superiore can be made. An extraordinary amount of work was conducted across the seven hectare farm, reforming over 100 terraces of lava dry-stone walls that support vineyards stretching from Contrada Volpare to Contrada Praino. Under the watchful guidance of enologist Emiliano Falsini, the property was expertly planted in the Alberello Etneo (local bush-vine) technique with a major focus on Carricante, positioning the vineyards for greatness. Absolute respect for the land, coupled with unobtrusive winemaking, allows the unique terroir of Milo to shine. Their outstanding set of mineral Carricante wines and superb Nerello Mascalese Rosato has catapulted Maugeri into the upper echelons of Italian wine.
THE WINES
2022 Maugeri Etna Bianco Superiore DOC Contrada Volpare (Carricante)
100% Carricante grapes grown in sandy decomposed lava soil in Milo (Contrada Volpare), on the east side of Mount Etna. The vines were planted in 2016 on dry, lava stone wall terraces at about 700 metres above sea level, facing mainly East. The grapes are harvested by hand in early October then taken to the cellar and left in the press at low temperature for 3 hours. The whole bunches are then softly pneumatic-pressed with 90% of the must fermented in stainless steel and 10% in French oak tonneaux of 500 litres. After fermentation the wine is aged in these vessels for 8 months before bottling. Malo-lactic fermentation is not carried out.
“Carricante in purity, the wine remains in the tank on the fine lees for 8 months. Beautiful bright yellow colour, hints of yellow pulp fruit such as apricot and peach immediately emerge on the nose. You can also perceive the scents of brooms, typical flowers of the volcano. Mineral and citrus note that recalls in the mouth. Very fresh and mineral.” - Giorgio Vaiana, Cronachedigusto
“The 2021 Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Volpare opens slowly in the glass, delicate yet complex, as mint, chamomile and crushed green apple emerge over time. It’s deeply textural, nearly creamy in feel, with mineral-tinged orchard fruits that flow across a core of brisk acidity. The Volpare finishes with medium length and a pleasantly chewy tension, leaving an herbal tinge that adds a savory flair.” - Eric Guido, Vinous
2022 Maugeri Etna Bianco Superiore DOC ‘Frontebosco’ Contrada Volpare (Carricante)
100% Carricante grapes grown in sandy decomposed lava soil near Milo, on the east side of Mount Etna. ‘Frontebosco’ is a single hectare amphitheater within Contrada Volpare that faces south. The vines were planted in 2014 on dry, lava stone wall terraces surrounded by forest at about 700 metres above sea level. The grapes are harvested by hand in early October then taken to the cellar and left in the press at low temperature for 6 hours. The whole bunches are then softly pneumatic-pressed with 90% of the must fermented in French oak tonneaux of 500 litres and 10% in stainless steel. After fermentation the wine is aged in these vessels for 8 months before bottling. Malo-lactic fermentation is not carried out.
"...Frontebosco wafts up with a gorgeous blend of peach skins, green melon, sage and crushed stones. It’s elegant and refined with silken textures, nearly oily in feel, easily casting ripe apple and mineral-drenched pear across the palate. The Frontebosco finishes dramatically long and saline, lightly structured, leaving a resonance of lemon and savory spice. It would be difficult to distinguish this from Premier Cru White Burgundy in a blind lineup." - Eric Guido, Vinous.
“The 2022 Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Volpare Frontebosco lifts from the glass with a nuanced bouquet that blends stone dust, freshly sliced nectarines and hints of ginger. This is built on purity, with a wave of silken textures ushering in ripe pit fruits and spice. A saline concentration lingers on as the 2022 tapers off long and youthfully tense yet long. A sour lemon tinge puckers the cheeks on the close.” - Eric Guido, Vinous.
2022 Maugeri Etna Bianco Superiore DOC ‘Frontemare’ Contrada Praino (Carricante)
100% Carricante grapes grown in sandy decomposed lava soil in Milo (Contrada Praino), on the east side of Mount Etna. ‘Frontebosco’ is a single, east facing parcel of 1.5 hectares that is separated from Volpare to the north by a ravine. The vines were planted in 2019 (south side) and 2021 (north side) on dry, lava stone wall terraces at about 700 metres above sea level. The soil here is richer in clay and also sandier than in Volpare. The grapes are harvested by hand in early October then taken to the cellar and left in the press at low temperature for 6 hours. The whole bunches are then softly pneumatic-pressed, with 70% of the must fermented in French oak tonneaux of 500 litres and 30% stainless steel. After fermentation the wine is aged in these vessels for 8 months before bottling. Malo-lactic fermentation is not carried out.
"The 2022 Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Praino Frontemare opens slowly with a nuanced blend of citrus-tinged green apples, ginger and candied lime. This is cool-toned in feel, with soft textures and ripe orchard fruits that swirl across a core of brisk acidity. Its minerality comes through on the flinty, stony finish, tapering off with a subtle hint of chamomile." 93 points - Eric Guido, Vinous
“Etna Bianco is another category that has become much more important over the last few years. Arguably the best examples are from the Milo district on the east slope of Etna. This single vineyard offering has tremendous depth of fruit, superb varietal character and outstanding persistence - this is a vibrant white wine. There is the structure and stuffing with this wine for at least a decade of aging potential. Based on this vintage (2022) as well as the 2021, this is one of Italy’s finest white wines!” - Tom Hyland, Forbes
“100% Carricante; aromas of tea leaves, spearmint and ripe pear and a hint of anise. Medium-full with excellent concentration, rich texture, very good acidity and outstanding persistence. Superb varietal purity and complexity. Great wine! Enjoy tonight, but this will offer greater character over the next 10-12 years.” (95) - Tom Hyland, Forbes
“Light greenish gold, this wine smells of candied lemon, citrus pith, and a hint of nut skin. In the mouth, silky textures give the wine a fuller body with flavors of citrus pith and lemon zest, grapefruit zest, and a hint of vanilla. Great acidity and minerality. 100% Carricante grown at 700 meters, aged in a combination of steel and tonneaux. 12.5% alcohol.”
- Alber Yarrow, Vinography
2022 Maugeri Etna Bianco Terre Siciliane IGT Catarratto
100% Catarratto grapes grown in sandy decomposed lava soil near Milo, on the east side of Mount Etna. The vines were planted to a half hectare, north-facing nook within Contrada Volpare just before the ravine on the edge of Contrada Praino. The vines were planted in 2016 on dry, lava stone wall terraces surrounded by forest at about 700 metres above sea level. The grapes are harvested by hand in early October then taken to the cellar and left in the press at low temperature for 3 hours. The whole bunches are then softly pneumatic-pressed with 90% of the must fermented in French oak tonneaux of 500 litres and 10% in stainless steel. After fermentation the wine is aged on fine lees in tank for 8 months before bottling. Malo-lactic fermentation is not carried out.
“Thus those Catarratto grapes grown in Milo in the vineyard in Contrada Volpare at 700 meters above sea level, on the terraces facing north, give life to pure Catarratto for the first time in 2021. The 2022 presents itself with a brilliant straw yellow colour, a rich, explosive nose, almost reminiscent of a Sauvignon Blanc, but immediately makes its mountain identity unmistakable with its 700 meters of altitude and its sandy and rich in volcanic soil. minerals. Fresh, with hints of aromatic herbs which then leave room for notes of exotic fruits, passion fruit and grapefruit. The sip is juicy, broad but still leaves the signature of its terroir with acidity and a very strong flavour and very long finish. Only 2,500 bottles for this Catarratto that you don't expect.” - Francesca Landolina, Cronachedigusto
2022 Maugeri Etna Rosato DOC Contrada Volpare (Nerello Mascalese)
100% Mascalese grapes grown in sandy decomposed lava soil near Milo (Contrada Volpare), on the east side of Mount Etna. The vines were planted to a single hectare in 2016 on dry, lava stone wall terraces at about 700 metres above sea level. The grapes are harvested by hand in early October then taken to the cellar and left in the press at low temperature for a couple of hours. The whole bunches are then softly pneumatic-pressed and the must is fermented in French oak tonneaux of 500 litres (the grapes are harvested only for this rosé, not as a ‘saignée’ from red wine production). The resulting wine is aged on fine lees for four months in French oak tonneaux.
“The 2022 Etna Rosato Contrada Volpare is distinctly savory, displaying a smoky blend of dried peaches, apricots and sage. This floods the palate with textures of pure silk as a wave of ripe orchard fruits and sweet spices washes through. Crunchy minerals linger as the 2022 finishes long, potent and mouthwatering. Stunning.” - Eric Guido, Vinous.
“…striking, complex wine, a kaleidoscope of different aromas and flavors including various berries, and hints of citrus-peel and herbs. One of the best rosé wines I’ve drunk from anywhere, generously fruity but also concentrated and electric on the palate; try it with roast chicken or salmon. (Fine dry rosé is a very versatile wine with food, and not just in the summertime.) I would drink this young for freshness, but I imagine it will hold or perhaps even improve in the bottle.” - Oliver McCrum Wines & Spirits
