Few winemakers can boast the privilege of crafting their wines amidst the dramatic landscapes of an active volcano!

For several years now, Anna Martens and Eric Narioo of Vino di Anna have been creating singular, distinctive wines using the indigenous grapes grown on the high-altitude slopes of Mt Etna, Sicily.

The grapes, ranging from 60-100 years old, are organically grown, vinification is mostly traditional, including use of qvevri (clay vessels) and Palmento (old Sicilian cellar buildings). Minimal intervention, low sulfur, and no fining or filtration. The wines speak of their terroir, and sing with a joyous alchemy of expression and focus.

A new cuvée from Vino di Anna, Jeudi 15 Bianco is an intriguing blend of white grapes, hand-harvested from numerous small vineyards high on the north face of Mt Etna.

Mid straw in colour, the dominant nose is fresh citrus and a whisper of florals. Dry, crisp and fresh on the palate with lemon and grapefruit, subtle nuttiness and an underlying salty minerality on the finish.

The makeup of the wine is 40% old vine Grecanico, which includes a large percentage of Grecanico Dorato (also known as Garganega). These grapes were macerated for one week on skins then fermented in used chestnut barrels. Riesling, Chenin Blanc and Carricante from the estate’s “Vigna Nave” vineyard, which is located on the north-western side of Mt Etna, makes up another 40%. This fruit was whole-bunch pressed into used chestnut barrels. The remaining 20% is a field blend (Carricante, Catarratto, Minnella Bianca, Insolia) which was whole-bunch pressed into a 20hl French wooden cask for spontaneous fermentation.

A fascinating Etna white, equally complex as it is crowd-pleasing. Would pair fantastically with seafood - think grilled prawns or stuffed and roasted fish.