We'll get back to the name of this wine shortly. Let's just say this may be the best white wine in the store. Its bright golden color reflects its nose of pineapple and apricot with hints of minerality leading into the fresh and ample, staggeringly complex palate. A big part of the mix is the spiciness which continues into the long memorable finish. Suggested pairings include aged cheeses, white meats and seafood. Hell, enjoy this wine with anything! Or by itself!
A Nutturna is a single vineyard, single varietal Mt Etna, Sicilian white wine made from the Nerello Mascalese grape. The vineyard is located 650-1200 meters up Etna and features 18 year old vines. Sicily has one of the longest histories of wine production and Nerello Mascalese is one of its indigenous grapes that has proven its worth. This example is made with wild yeasts with six months duration on the lees. It is aged in steel.
Italian Wine Law designates four quality levels. Our subject today is in the third tier down, an IGT (indication of geographical typicality) which basically means the wine's quality must reflect its origins. To get way down into the weeds - Its color, aromas, sweetness, alcoholic content, flavors and ever so much more are somehow regulated to reflect that vineyard area of Etna. If that isn't enough, the text on label then must reflect some of these same qualities. This, for a wine a step above VdT (vino da tavola)! What are they thinking!
But we still maintain this may be the best white wine in the store. Now back to the name - Al-Cantara is Arabic for the bridge. A Nutturna means at night. Then standing by itself on the label are the words drinkable poetry and that goes to what they are trying to convey here. Their metaphorical bridge is one that ties vineyard terroir with art and poetry. Yeah, it's a little bit heady...but I like it.
At the 2023 Gran Italy wine competition, Al-Cantara was named the Winery of the Year for having eight five star wines, the highest rating possible.
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