Colomba Bianca 'Lavi' Carricante, Sicily 2023

The wine is made from the native variety Carricante, an historical Sicilian variety which is typical of the Etna area and is renowned for producing dry, aromatic and distinctive wines. The vines are planted between the hills of Vita and Salemi at an altitude of 330 metres above sea level. The Guyot trained vines are planted at a density of 3,300 vines per hectare, in medium textured chalky soils, which are soft, cool and porous. The vineyard is cultivated sustainably uses integrated farming practices, where the use of chemicals and herbicides is reduced and the vines are cultivated with respect for the environment and the biodiversity of the vineyard. The grapes are hand-harvested when they have reached optimal maturity.

The grapes were picked into small crates to protect the quality of the fruit, immediately destemmed and gently pressed. The must was decanted at 8°C and the clear juice was fermented with selected yeasts at 15°C in stainless steel tanks to preserve the purity of the fruit. The wine remained on its lees until the following January, with regular bâtonnage to impart texture and layers of complexity to the wine.