Gaja Idda Bianco Sicilia DOP 2024
(Sicily, Italy) - [WE 94] [DM 94] [VM 93] [WA 93] [JS 92]

WINERY

IDDA is a joint venture between Angelo Gaja and Alberto Graci on Mount Etna that started in 2017. The Graci family is a prominent winemaker in the region. The vineyards are located on the southern slope of the volcano, with a wide range of altitudes, exposures and soil types. Today, the winery owns 50 acres of vineyards at 2,000-2,600 feet above sea level, in the villages of Belpasso and Biancavilla

WINE

IDDA means “she” in the Sicilian dialect, which is the term of endearment and awe with which Sicilians refer to Mount Etna.

VINEYARDS

Located in Biancavilla, on the southwest slope of Etna Volcano, and in Belpasso, on the southern slope one. The soils of Biancavilla are lighter in color and are among the oldest of all Etna. The soils of Belpasso are more porous and darker in color, with volcanic rocks.

VINTAGE NOTES

The 2024 vintage was generally a dry one, with only 345 mm of total rainfall. The winter was cold but with scarce precipitation, and temperatures were above average in spring, which remained very dry. There were no reports of downy mildew or powdery mildew. The summer season was very hot, with peaks of 40-43 degrees. The harvest was anticipated by two weeks, resulting in wines that are rich in aromas and minerality, with medium structure and flavor.

WINEMAKING

Whole-bunch cold press fermentation followed by aging in both oak and stainless steel for 6-9 months.

TASTING NOTES

This wine presents an enchanting bouquet of balsamic aromatic herbs, flowers, and tropical fruits. Notes of ripe apricot and passion fruit intertwine, evoking the vibrant essence of Sicily, where herbs and Mediterranean scrub are a distinctive feature. The floral component emerges gracefully, adding complexity to the aromatic profile. Although it does not possess the opulence of 2023, the wine still offers a full and very long, persistent finish.

Ratings and Reviews

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Marvelously savory and intensely saline, the structure and substance of this white really stand out, even in a crowded field. In the case of the Idda wines I think I might prefer their red, but wow is it a competition. Better to have both colors and sip them one after the other."

94 Points - Decanter:
"Fruit from vineyards lying at 600m-800m yields a quintessential expression of Carricante, aged in a mix of oak and stainless steel. Sweet orchard fruits, lanolin and saffron blend with lemon zest and flint. Piercing yet also structured, it shows a relatively creamy mid-palate and a subtly viscous texture, while turning more savoury on the long, mineral-driven finish. Will be even better in five to 10 years. Drinking Window: 2026-2036." -Jason Millar (Mar 2026)

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"Distinctly savory on the nose, the 2024 Bianco unfolds with nuances of stone dust, dried herbs, incense and Asian pear. It's soft-textured and round with ripe orchard fruits, spice and a gentle reverberation of salty minerality. This cleans up beautifully through the finish, leaving a subtle saline concentration and hints of tart citrus. (Drink between 2025-2029)" -Eric Guido (Aug 2025)

93 Points - Wine Advocate:
"The Idda 2024 Sicilia Bianco is very mineral and salty, especially when tasted next to the softer 2023 vintage before it. This vintage is about direction, focus and linearity. The mouthfeel is also leaner compared to 2023, but the current vintage is longer lasting. The 2024 growing season saw heat in summer, winds and steep diurnal shifts. A special fog called "acquazzina" locally offers some respite during the hottest months, and the vines benefit from cool winds that blow inland from the sea. The wine ferments in stainless steel, and 20% goes into 15-hectoliter oak casks. The winemaking team doesn't make much of a fuss when it comes to malolactic fermentation, and they bottle in May or June of the following year "to capture the energy of the grape," Alberto Graci tells me. Drinking Window: 2025-2032." -Monica Larner (Jun 2025)

92 Points - James Suckling:

"A fresh, peppery style with a spicy, citrusy nose and core aromas of stone fruit. Medium-bodied. More focused on the rich palate than on the aromatic profile. Enjoyable texture and length. Drink now." (June 2025)