The 2007 Etna Bianco Cuvee delle Vigne Niche (Carricante) has developed lovely complexity in bottle. Smoke, ash, menthol and licorice are some of the nuances that add complexity to a generous expression of fruit. I am not sure how long the 2007 will last, but today it is an immensely rewarding, generous and complete wine from the Etna. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2015.
Proprietor Marc de Grazia is one of the pioneers of the Etna. Not only was he among the first producers to recognize the value of these once-forgotten, ancient terroirs, he also was the first producer to bring attention to the specific qualities of these vineyards by bottling single-parcel Nerellos that have become reference-point wines for the Etna.
A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119