In the glass
Aroma: white peach, lemon zest, volcanic mineral, white blossom
Palate: citrus, pear, saline mineral, fresh finish
Erse is Fessina's entry-level Etna Bianco: bright, mineral-driven Carricante from the organically farmed Rovittello estate at 670 metres, with the clean saline freshness of north-slope white Etna.
What it pairs with
-
Grilled calamari with lemon and parsley
Clean mineral character and bright acidity are the ideal companions for grilled squid. -
Fresh stracciatella with cherry tomatoes
Bright acidity and white blossom notes elevate the creamy cheese and sweet tomato. -
Cured Sicilian anchovies on bread
The wine's mineral salinity bridges the intense anchovy flavour.
How to serve Tenuta di Fessina Erse Etna Bianco
Allow 5 minutes from open to pour.
- Open and pour. Open and pour directly. No decanting required for this style.
- Serve at 8-10°C. Cellar temperature (8-10°C) is the band for this style. Warmer pushes alcohol forward; colder dampens aromatics.
- Glassware. Use a smaller all-purpose white glass: the bowl shape rewards the wine's structure.
- Pair with. Grilled calamari with lemon and parsley, Fresh stracciatella with cherry tomatoes, Cured Sicilian anchovies on bread. Match the wine's structure to the dish's fat and salt.
History
Tenuta di Fessina was established at Rovittello on Etna's north slope, and the Erse Etna Bianco was introduced as the flagship white from the first vintage. The organic estate produces exclusively Etna DOC wines, with Erse representing the approachable, everyday expression of the north-slope Carricante and Catarratto blend.
- 2008 — First Erse vintage alongside the founding of Tenuta di Fessina
Facts
- Producer
- Tenuta di Fessina
- Grapes
- Carricante (80%), Catarratto (20%)
- Classification
- Etna Bianco DOC
- Oak
- Stainless steel on fine lees
- ABV
- 13.0%
- Price
- €20-32 at retail
- Drinking window
- 2-8 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2008
- Organic
- ORGANIC CERTIFIED
Frequently asked about Tenuta di Fessina Erse Etna Bianco
What does Tenuta di Fessina Erse Etna Bianco taste like?
On the nose, white peach, lemon zest, volcanic mineral, white blossom. On the palate, citrus, pear, saline mineral, fresh finish. Structurally light-bodied, low tannins, high acidity with a clean, mineral, medium length finish. Erse is Fessina's entry-level Etna Bianco: bright, mineral-driven Carricante from the organically farmed Rovittello estate at 670 metres, with the clean saline freshness of north-slope white Etna.
When should I drink Tenuta di Fessina Erse Etna Bianco?
Drink 2-8 from vintage. Young vintages benefit from 30-90 minutes of decanting; mature bottles should be handled carefully for sediment.
What food pairs with Tenuta di Fessina Erse Etna Bianco?
Grilled calamari with lemon and parsley is the canonical pairing. Other strong matches include Fresh stracciatella with cherry tomatoes and Cured Sicilian anchovies on bread. Clean mineral character and bright acidity are the ideal companions for grilled squid.
What grapes are in Tenuta di Fessina Erse Etna Bianco?
The blend is Carricante (80%), Catarratto (20%). The wine is classified as Etna Bianco DOC.