Monteleone is a relatively new Etna producer: Giulia Monteleone, with her father, Enrico, and husband, Benedetto Alessandrino, started in 2017. Their Etna Bianco comes from two plots at 750 and 900 meters on the east slope of Mount Etna, where the stronger ocean influence (more wind and rain) helps create most of the great white wines on Etna. Farming is certified organic. The wine ferments and ages in stainless steel tanks. 12% alcohol. This wine highlights Enta Bianco’s aesthetic kinship with Chablis. Lemon rocks, with hints of other citrus, mountain herbs, and a fierce minerality/stoniness. This is a terrific example of the interplay of tense acidity and beguiling flavors that carricante grown on Mount Etna can give. If you like Chablis as an aperitif, you’ll like this too. And it’s excellent with pesce crudo/ceviche/sushi and lemony pasta dishes.
