I Custodi 'Imbris' Etna Bianco Superiore 2022, Sicily, Italy

VARIETAL 
Carricante

 

TASTING NOTES

‘Imbris’ is I Custodi’s long awaited Etna Bianco Superiore, produced from less than 1 ha total of Carricante vines growing at 900m altitude in Contrada Caselle, a grand cru site for Carricante. Cool air from the Ionian sea pushes up Etna’s Eastern slope and through the vineyard here year round, creating a constant sea-meets-mountain wind that imparts a palpable salinity to the fruit on the vine. The meeting of the two air masses also results in significant annual rainfall over Contrada Caselle– ‘Imbris’ takes its name from the Latin word for ‘rain’. Over the centuries, the driving winds of Etna’s Eastern slope have deposited red soils from the Sahara in the Caselle vineyard, lending to the unique soil composition of the site. The wind further dries out the vineyard from excess moisture; this in combination with the fast draining sandy soils causes the roots to dig deep in search of moisture, in turn promoting a more concentrated flavor profile in the fruit. -Importer's Notes

 

This volcanic white has an expressive nose of fresh citrus zest, Mediterranean brush and a hint of flinty smoke. A vibrant palate delivers flavors of yellow plum, preserved lemon, orange blossom and and a touch of honey framed by a savory, saline-driven minerality. 

 

(Practicing Organic)