Vino di Anna Palmento Bianco 2023

40 % of the Palmento Bianco 2023 blend is Carricante sourced from high altitude vineyards on the northern slopes of Mt Etna in the contrada of Crasa. 30% is Inzolia, organically grown on limestone clay soils in Vittoria, in the south-eastern part of the island. 20% is Grillo, coming from the “terra rossa” sandy soils of Marsala, rich in minerals. The remaining 10% is organic Catarratto, hand harvest on the rolling hills surrounding Alcamo, in the northwestern corner of the island.

The grapes that were not grown on Etna were transported to the winery in small vans or a refrigerated truck, as required. The Insolia was picked first, at the end of August. It was 100% whole bunch pressed and fermented in a used 20hl oak cask. This varietal adds lifted floral notes and a textural palate structure to the final blend.

Next the Grillo was picked, with all of the grapes being hand de-stemmed into several mastellone (food-grade plastic 10hl tubs) and left to macerate for 4-5 days, being plunged daily by foot or hand. The fermenting must was then pressed into 11 hl chestnut casks. Next the Catarratto was harvested. This was also macerated, but only for 48 hours to extract some texture and flavours from the skins. Finally, the Carricante was harvested being direct pressed into an 11hl chestnut barrel and a stainless steel tank.

Each of the grape varieties were fermented by indigenous yeasts to dryness. They underwent malolactic fermentation spontaneously and were blended together at the end of October. The finished wine remained on light lees and was bottled early February 2023 without fining or filtration.