Why is Etna compared to Burgundy?
Etna is often compared to Burgundy, one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world. A definition coined by Marco de Grazia, owner of Tenuta delle Terre Nere, in the early 2000s, made the concept of “Burgundy of the Mediterranean” famous, referring to the beating heart of Sicilian viticulture. But what really links these two distant territories?
The territories of Etna and Burgundy
Etna and Burgundy share a fundamental trait: the variety of soils and microclimates, which contribute to determining the identity of the wines.
The geological complexity of Etna is one of the main reasons for this similarity. The volcanic soils, with their mineral-rich composition, are constantly evolving. The soil changes rapidly from one area to another, generating notable differences in taste even over small distances. This creates the same variety found in Burgundy, famous for its soil diversity, which allows the vines to express themselves in unique ways, even in short distances.
The vines of Etna and Burgundy
On Etna as in Burgundy, viticulture is based on two grape varieties, one red and one white
On Etna, Nerello Mascalese is the dominant red grape variety, used to produce structured and complex reds. Thanks to its versatility, Nerello manages to express different aromatic nuances depending on the area in which it grows, just like Pinot Noir in Burgundy. This French grape variety is known for its ability to adapt to different soil and climate conditions, resulting in wines that deeply tell the story of the territory.
As for whites, Carricante for Etna and Chardonnay for Burgundy share the unique ability to convey the character of the soil and climate.
The influence of microclimates and altitudes
One of the characteristics that makes Etna truly special is its microclimatic diversity, influenced by the particular altitude and orientation of the slopes.
Etna offers a variety of climatic conditions that affect the ripening cycle of the grapes. In some cooler and higher areas, the grapes ripen more slowly, giving fresher and more mineral wines. In other areas, where the climate is warmer, the grapes ripen more quickly, with more structured and full-bodied wines.
This diversity, which is reflected in every bottle, is similar to that found in Burgundy, where the differences between the various plots, even at a short distance, are palpable in the wines produced.
The uniqueness of Etna
Despite the similarities, both territories retain their own unrepeatable uniqueness.
Etna is an active volcano, a living mountain that continues to shape its territory and influence the surrounding microclimate. The continuous eruptions release new layers of ash and minerals into the soil, creating a constantly changing environment. This phenomenon gives Etna wines a freshness and mineral tension that are difficult to replicate elsewhere.
At Famiglia Statella, we firmly believe that Etna represents an extraordinary territory for viticulture, capable of expressing unparalleled wines. Here nature imposes its rules and the winemakers, respecting it, manage to get the best out of it.