2023 IDDA Bianco Sicilia DOP

"Angelo Gaja is, without question, the most famous wine producer in Italy. Possibly one of the most famous in the world. He is credited with developing techniques that revolutionised winemaking in Italy.
- International Wine Challenge

The IDDA project is Gaja’s move into Sicily - specifically Mount Etna - and like many things Gaja, it’s done on their own terms. Rather than joining the crowd on Etna’s fashionable north slope, they teamed up with local grower Alberto Graci and headed south, planting Carricante at elevation on volcanic soils near Belpasso and Biancavilla.

The 2023 is the first white made entirely at their newly built winery, sitting right within the Belpasso vineyard. Most of the fruit comes from there, with a smaller portion from Biancavilla. It’s 100% Carricante, handled simply - mainly fermented in stainless steel, with a portion in large-format oak for added texture. Some of the wine sees malo, some doesn’t, giving it shape without losing freshness.

Because Belpasso lies just outside the Etna DOC, the wine is labelled Sicilia DOP - but don’t mistake the classification for a lack of seriousness. This is a focused, quietly ambitious white with a strong sense of place, made by people who clearly believe Carricante deserves more attention.

94 points
"Crushed rocks, sesame, curry leaf, nectarine and lemon zest lead to zesty acidity and orchard fruit. Salty, spicy and mouthwatering with a long candied lime finish."
- Eric Guido (Vinous)