GAJA’s New Effort from Sicily’s Ancient and Volcanic Slopes of Mt. Etna

DELIZIOSO: Discover the Yin and Yang of Carricante. It's Sicily's Indigenous White from the Volcanic Slopes of Mt Etna and Angelo GAJA. Our NEW Favorite White of the Year and More...

"The 2023 Bianco...In a word, fantastic…There’s certainly more attention being placed upon Carricante, with some producers believing that it will one day be recognized as the true varietal star of Etna. Plantings on the volcano's southern slope are also starting to be taken advantage of. In this warmer and extra fertile location, readers can expect a more fruit focused Carricante, yet one that is still finessed."- Eric Guido, Vinous

“We always believed in the potential of making refined whites, even in a red region,” says Gaia. “Now, in the last 10 to 15, years, it’s the southern half of Italy that woke up with some of the most interesting white wines—like Fiano, Verdicchio and Carricante—that we really like and we think have great aging potential.” Among those three, the focus became Carricante because of this special nature on Etna, because of the altitude, because of the late ripening. So betting on the future, we think this [grape variety] is the one.” - Gaia GAJA (Wine Specator)

You heard us scream about GAJA's new project in Sicily for a few years now, well, we just uncorked the a new allocation, and it was not just the 2022 Rosso that impressed, it was the 2023 (GAJA) Idda Bianco that really captured our attention – and it is stunning – along with the 2022 Bianco, it is the finest expression from rising star icon.

As we noted before, there truly is a new sheriff in town and there a few names that should be added to this statement above – Angelo GAJA has now joined forces with one of the region’s respected icons Alberto Graci of Graci and more eyeballs than ever are turning on the terroir-driven wines of Mount Etna. You heard us preach about the exciting and ancient wines of the region for years with Terre Nere, and it continues today with the new arrivals, and this time it is not the Rosso that is taking center stage.

For Italian Wine Merchants, it is simply difficult not to be attracted to GAJA, but more importantly Italy’s wealth of antique varietals that are capable of transporting enthusiasts to Italy with one stunning sip delivered with unrivalled value. It is not surprising that the ancient Greeks called Italy Oenotria, “land of vines.” One such vine or grape that would have appealed to them is certainly Sicily’s Nerello Mascalese from the high altitudes and volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. If you follow Italian wines, you probably have heard comparisons of this grape to Burgundian Pinot Noir and a young Barolo and Nebbiolo. There is some truth to the statement, many of the expressions are high-toned often translucent in the glass with juicy and inviting red fruit, herbaceous and mineral undertones, supported by gripping tannins and refreshing acidity. As for the 2022 vintage, we see elements of both Barolo and Burgundy here, leaning more on the Barolo/Nebbiolo side as there is red fruit, tar, herbs, cinnamon and gripping tannins before showing its more inviting elements. However, this wine reveals itself best with an hour of aeration as it gains weight and more balance in the glass. 

Well, there is more GREAT NEWS TO REPORT, the new release of the 2022 IDDA Etna Rosso is beginning to the US in good company, with the exciting 2023 IDDA Bianco Sicilia - which is the highlight of our offering today. Less than 100 cases of these wines will be arriving in the U.S. and the elusive Sicilians will only be available via a handful of merchants throughout the country. In fact, for the 2023 IDDA Bianco Sicilia, this is just the fifth release to reach American soils - and is a nice alternative to Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc.  While the new expression offers more texture and concentration than last year, there remains tension here and the wine fresh and clean, with the Southern white clocking in at just 13.5% alcohol even in the warmer vintage - perfect complement to sushi and crudo, and so much more. These are wines that will undoubtedly start conversations – rare and tremendous crowd-pleasers. And that is before you even say the four-letter word – GAJA. Grab these today, as these wines are extremely limited and allocated!

FEATURED WINES: NEW from GAJA and Sicily’s Noble Varietals

Well, 2022 marks just the fifth vintage release for IDDA Rosso. In fact, it is the latest release from GAJA in more than eleven years! The Gaja and Graci’s joint venture marks the third effort outside of Piemonte for the Mister Barbaresco. As for Alberto Graci, you will recognize his name from the IWM shelf and as one of the most acclaimed and talented wine growers in Sicily. Gaja & Graci effort on the southern slope of Etna is a marriage of one person’s deep knowledge of Sicily’s terroir and another’s experience with Italy’s most noble varietals. “Idda” (ee-duh) means “she” in the Sicilian dialect, which is a term of endearment and expression of awe with which Sicilians refer to Mt. Etna. For the people of Sicily, Etna is more than a mountain; it is a breathing being with her own identity and personality, a quick-tempered, capricious, yet maternal and protective mother on whom they depend on each day.

ADDITIONAL NOTES AND REVIEWS:

2023 (GAJA & Graci) IDDA SICILIA BIANCO

Christopher Deas, Italian Wine Merchants: "This is just the fifth time the white (bianco) has become available on American soils – and it is our favorite expression to date displaying more salinity and island terroir. It is another great alternative from drinking the ordinary Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. But this is Sicily with the indigenous Carricante varietal, and while texture is always going to be a characteristic of the sun-kissed whites, there is also the signature Island minerality, and the Mediterranean influences of salinity and freshness. It offers that yin and yang - that we love - texture with finesse. A little more tropical and exotic in 2023, you can expect nuances of lanolin, nectarine, stone fruit, dried apples, green apples, orange blossom, white pepper, wild herbs, a touch of marine salt, and a stony minerality. What will surprise you is that you have a white from the South, in Sicily no less, with concentration, but it clocks in at just 13.5% alc. The 2023 does show more texture and glycerin, think Chenin Blanc, and remains light on its feet and finishes incredibly dry. For those looking for something different, it truly is a nice alternative to Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, and we love the spice and mineral nuances to the wine. For myself, the 2023 has elements of a Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc with an Italian twist. Perfect for sushi, salads, and perfect for conversation.” 

Eric Guido, Vinous: "The 2023 Bianco demands attention with a beguiling bouquet that mixes crushed rocks, sesame seeds and curry leaves with nectarines and lemon zest. This opens with a pretty inner sweetness contrasted by masses of salty minerals and zesty acidity as ripe orchard fruits cascade throughout. The 2023 tapers off dramatically, long and spicy. A sour citrus tinge forces the mouth to salivate as hints of candied lime and a tart Granny Smith apple concentration slowly fade. In a word, fantastic."

Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator: "Fresh and fragrant, with a waft of citronella accenting flavors of peach skin, poached apricot, preserved lemon and toasted hazelnut. Lightly plush and pleasing in texture, with hints of lemon oil, white mocha and fleur de sel adding fine detail on the lasting finish. Drink now through 2030. 300 cases imported."

2022 (GAJA & Graci) IDDA ETNA ROSSO

Christopher Deas, Italian Wine Merchants: “The new project from GAJA and Graci on the Island of Sicily – this is exciting stuff for the wine enthusiast and the new release lives up to all the hype and expectations. This is Nerello Mascalese with a touch of Nerello Cappuccio from the GAJA & Graci Biancavilla vineyard – the first plot of land they purchased on the lesser-known southwest slopes of Sicily’s Mount Etna. Here the soils of Biancavilla are among the oldest of the entire Etna DOC. This time around we would say that the wine begins by showing a more Barolo and Nebbiolo profile, as it is a little firmer and a little more upright than the softer 2021, yet is fresh, succulent, and juicy. With aeration, the wine gains weight hides the touch of whole cluster a little more. The wine is delizioso today – and the aromatics scream Sicily and reach across the table and pull you in. You can expect nuances of wild berries, black cherries, sarsaparilla, pomegranate, citrus, cinnamon, wild and stemmy herbs, iron, tar, and smoke. It remains high-toned, with coiled concentration, while being succulent and savory. Watch this wine evolve and change over a long meal. It is another Sicilian wine that will transport you to Southern Italy begging for pasta or pizza with fatty pork sausage.”

Eric Guido, Vinous: "The 2022 Etna Rosso tempts the imagination as depths of crushed raspberry come together with rose petals, ground cloves, sage leaf and incense to form its truly captivating bouquet. This is elegant and softly contoured, with silky textures and ripe wild berry fruits that swirl throughout. A core of brilliant acidity and tactile mineral tones builds tension toward the close. It leaves a pleasantly bitter tinge to linger on while tapering off with a coating of fine tannins, hints of licorice and a sensation of liquid stone."

Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator: "There's a lovely, fragrant underpinning of tar-tinged smoke and Turkish spices wafting through the flavors of dried cherry and raspberry, red licorice, and macchia. Backed by vivid acidity and firm, snappy tannins, this is well-structured and harmonious, with a lasting, mineral-laced finish. Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. Best from 2027 through 2032. 600 cases imported."

This is an email ONLY offer! If you would like to take advantage of this offer that is only available until 11:59pm, February 28, 2025, we are asking that you email orders back to me at chris.deas@italianwinemerchants.com, connect with your portfolio manager, or mention receipt of this offer if calling the store. All orders are subject to confirmation. IWM is not responsible for typographical errors. Should you wish to no longer receive these email offerings, please email me back.

All the best,

Chris