Maugeri Etna Bianco Superiore Praino ‘Frontemare’ 2023

100% Carricante grapes grown in sandy decomposed lava soil in Milo (Contrada Praino), on the east side of Mount Etna. ‘Frontemare’ is a single, east facing parcel of 1.5 hectares that is separated from Volpare to the north by a ravine. The vines were planted in 2019 (south side) and 2021 (north side) on dry, lava stone wall terraces at about 700 metres above sea level. The soil here is richer in clay and also sandier than in Volpare. The grapes are harvested by hand in early October then taken to the cellar and left in the press at low temperature for 6 hours. The whole bunches are then softly pneumatic-pressed, with 70% of the must fermented in French oak tonneaux of 500 litres and 30% stainless steel. After fermentation the wine is aged in these vessels for 8 months before bottling. Malo-lactic fermentation is not carried out.

The most mineral-driven of these new releases from Maugeri is the 2023 Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Praino Frontemare. This is a young winery with enormous promise ahead of it. Grapes for this 3,300-bottle release come from a vineyard site on the east side of the volcano that faces the sea and has steep stone terraces on sandy, mineral-rich soils and yellowish clay. The wine spends eight months on the fine lees (with no malolactic fermentation and no bâtonnage). The result offers salty flavors folded into white pomelo fruit and unripe peach. This beautiful wine is considerably more angular and firm in character. Drink 2024-2030. 94 Points. Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate.