In the glass
Aroma: white peach, citrus blossom, volcanic mineral, fennel
Palate: lemon zest, green apple, saline, chalky mineral
The benchmark Etna Bianco Superiore from Milo: Carricante of crystalline mineral purity, volcanic salinity, and piercing acidity that rewards 8-plus years of cellaring.
What it pairs with
-
Grilled swordfish with capers
Volcanic salinity echoes the capers; racy acidity cuts the oily fish. -
Sea urchin pasta
The wine's briny mineral core pairs perfectly with oceanic richness. -
Fresh ricotta with herb crostini
Bright acidity lifts the soft cheese; citrus aromatics harmonise.
History
Pietramarina comes from the Milo contrada on Etna's east slope, one of the few zones entitled to the Etna Bianco Superiore denomination. Benanti revived Carricante vinification in the 1980s-1990s after decades of decline; Pietramarina debuted with the 1990 vintage and remains Sicily's most celebrated white wine.
- 1990 — First Pietramarina vintage released, establishing Milo Carricante as a serious ageing white
- 2001 — Etna DOC regulations amended to recognise Superiore sub-denomination for Milo whites
Facts
- Producer
- Benanti Viticoltori
- Grapes
- Carricante
- Classification
- Etna Bianco Superiore DOC
- Oak
- Stainless steel only; no oak
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- €35-55 at retail
- Drinking window
- 5-15 from vintage
- First vintage
- 1990