Pietradolce Etna Bianco "Archineri" DOC 2022
(Sicily, Italy) - [WE 94] [JS 94] [VM 93]

About the Winery:
Pietradolce, means sweet stone in Italian and is an ode to Etna. The volcanic soil covering the slopes is very stony, sandy and mineral-rich. The Etna volcanos abundant mineral components and microclimate cool nights, warm days and wide-ranging temperature variations give Pietradolce wines extraordinary richness, minerality, fragrance and depth.

Pure Carricante, Etnas ancient white grape, which has been growing there for a thousand years. After so many centuries, the variety has perfectly adapted to the unique climate on the slopes, especially the drastic temperature changes between day and night.

Notes from the Winemaker:
Archineri Etna Bianco is produced from 100% Carricante grapes, obtained from pre-phylloxera vines grown in Milo, in the Contrada Caselle at 850 meters above sea level, on deep sandy soils. This unique pedo-climatic situation, favoured by exposure to the sea, the proximity of the Valle del Bove and the vines, some of which have reached the age of 150 years, enable the Carricante to express its highest levels of quality. After gentle pressing, the wine ages in steel and rests in the bottle for 12 months. The result is a wine that stands out for its expressive mineral traits, a rich and sinuous palate, and long aging potential.

Classification : DOC
Production area: Milo. Eastern Slopes of Mount Etna.
Altitude: 850 m.a.s.l.
Grape variety : Carricante
Soil: Sandy and rich in volcanic rock
Cultivation system: “Sapling” shape tree from pre-phylloxera vines, 130-150 years old
Harvest: Second decade of October
Vinification: Grapes are harvested by hand and soft pressed.
Ageing: Steel
Alcohol content: 13% vol

Tasting Notes:
A structured wine, with complex aromas of grapefruit and herbs; fresh and flavorful, with a long finish.

Food Pairing:
Pairs well with seafood and grilled fresh fish, white meat

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"The nose has lively and fresh aromas of salt, lime and warm rock, before deeper, juicier flavors of white peach and yellow apple emerge. Those notes all continue onto the palate, fortified by a blast of ferocious acid and a powerful current of salt." - Danielle Callegari (Dec 2024)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Very pure and minerally nose that delivers a stony, precise feel, almost like sniffing a quarry. Some smoked tarragon and lemon zest, too. Impressive mid-palate tension here with nervy acidity and minerality. Pure and long. Delicious now.” (Aug 2023)

93 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2022 Etna Bianco Archineri wafts up with a spicy blend of dusty dried flowers, shaved ginger and zest of lime. It’s round and supple, with a pretty inner sweetness and ripe orchard fruits offset by a core of tactile minerals. Brisk acidity adds a mouthwatering quality through the close as this finishes with medium length, leaving behind hints of candied citrus and fresh mint." - Eric Guido (Jun 2024)