94 Points Vinous
The 2023 Bianco demands attention with a beguiling bouquet that mixes crushed rocks, sesame seeds and curry leaves with nectarines and lemon zest. This opens with a pretty inner sweetness contrasted by masses of salty minerals and zesty acidity as ripe orchard fruits cascade throughout. The 2023 tapers off dramatically, long and spicy. A sour citrus tinge forces the mouth to salivate as hints of candied lime and a tart Granny Smith apple concentration slowly fade. In a word, fantastic.
94 Points Falstaff
Bright, pale straw yellow with a clear green shimmer. Opens with distinctly cool notes, some sea spray, then fine citrus notes and orange blossom. Fine, elegant fruit texture on the palate, very balanced, good tension, emphasized salty components on the finish.
93 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A pure expression of Carricante, the Idda 2023 Sicilia Bianco shows citrusy notes, some freshly cut grass, honey and creamy almond. This native grape from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna is usually quite sharp and steely in presentation, but this bottle from the Gaja and Graci winemaking team offers more textural heft and overall fruit weight. When you look deeper, you might find Sicilian tones of bergamot and caper blossom. Idda does a great job with this mid-weight white wine. Drink: 2024-2030.
Winemaker Notes
Idda Etna Bianco is a refined and vibrant white wine from the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, crafted through a collaboration between the Gaja family and Alberto Graci, one of the region’s esteemed producers. The name "Idda," which means "she" in Sicilian, is a tribute to Mount Etna herself, reflecting the reverence and respect for this unique volcanic terroir. This Etna Bianco is primarily made from Carricante, a native white grape variety that thrives in the high-altitude, mineral-rich soils of Etna, delivering a wine of freshness, elegance, and complexity. On the nose, Idda Etna Bianco offers a captivating bouquet of citrus fruits, green apple, and white peach, accompanied by floral notes, Mediterranean herbs, and a hint of smoky minerality. The palate is crisp and lively, with bright acidity that balances flavors of lemon zest, pear, and a subtle almond undertone. The finish is long and clean, with a refreshing, saline edge that reflects the volcanic character of the vineyard.
