2021 Salvo Foti 'Palmento Caselle' Etna Bianco Superiore

Salvo Foti's Palmento Caselle is a rare, single-parcel Etna Bianco made from 100% Carricante, sourced from ungrafted vines planted in Contrada Caselle (Milo) at 750 metres above sea level on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna. The vineyard originates from an extensive massal selection conducted by Salvo Foti over more than 20 years, and was partially planted using the ancient Etnean “magliuoli” technique, where cuttings are rooted directly in volcanic soils without grafting onto American rootstock.

The site is extremely limited in scale — just 0.30 hectares with around 2,150 vines — and is cultivated entirely by hand following traditional, low-intervention practices. Vinification is highly artisanal: whole-cluster pressing is followed by natural settling, spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and fermentation in 500L oak barrels for 13–15 days. The wine then matures for 12–15 months in the same barrels, followed by extended bottle ageing of at least one year before release. Bottles are individually numbered, reinforcing the wine’s rarity and parcel-specific identity.

In the glass, it shows a bright, luminous straw-yellow color. The nose is precise and deeply mineral, with layers of citrus zest, white peach, broom flowers, and saline notes, underpinned by a strong volcanic backbone. With air, it gains complexity, revealing hints of hydrocarbon, almond, and wet stone. On the palate, it is structured, vertical, and long, with vibrant acidity and a taut, saline-driven finish that reflects both altitude and ancient vines.

Viticultura Eroica at its finest. This is a serious, age-worthy expression of Carricante that moves beyond its historical association with quantity (the name “Carricante” derives from "carro", referring to the grape’s abundant yields that could fill carts at harvest) and instead focuses on quality; delivering precision, tension, and depth. It stands at the top end of Etna Bianco production, shaped by ungrafted vines, old Etnean techniques, and a highly restricted yield.

Perfect with refined seafood dishes, shellfish, Crudi di Pesce, and complex Mediterranean cuisine, but also capable of evolving gracefully in bottle over time.

Serve: 10–12 °C
Drink: 2025–2035