Giovanni Rosso - Etna Bianco 2023

Although the Rosso family has been tending vines in Serralunga d’Alba for more than a century, Azienda Agricola Giovanni Rosso has only been a label since 1995, when Davide Rosso took the helm. Davide is a conscientious man who studied at Domaine Jean Grivot and Domaine Denis Mortet. This Burgundian training is evident in his vines, which are grown organically with no pesticides or herbicides. His wines reflect terroir first and foremost. And what terroir! Grapes come from the famed Crus of La Serra, Cerretta, Broglio, Meriame, Sorano, Costa Bella, Lirano, and Damiano.

In July of 2016, Davide purchased a small vineyard of decades-old vines on the northern slope of Mount Etna. He plans to vinify small lots of indigenous varietal Nerello Mascalese (a bit like Nebbiolo, but with thicker skin to withstand the Sicilian sun). As Wine Spectator’s Robert Camuto reported, “Rosso won’t be the first Piemontese to make wine on Etna; Piedmont enologists have been consulting there for years. But he is being heralded — and largely welcomed — as the first high-profile Barolista to expand here.”

Fermentation occurs with wild yeasts in cement tanks without temperature control; wines age in 5000 litre French oak barrels. This is a departure from tradition, which would see these made of Slovenian oak. Although a young winery, Giovanni Rosso has quickly proven to be one of the best in the region.

“Widly fresh and focused, the 2023 Etna Bianco wafts up with a lovely blend of peach sorbet, mint leaf and white smoke. This is both juicy and refined, with crisp orchard fruits and hints of candied citrus that enliven the palate. Crisp minerality combines with lime and nectarine; the 2023 finishes long and leaves the mouth watering.” - 93 Points, Vinous

“Spanish broom, stone fruit, hay and citrus aromas form the delicate but enticing nose on the radiant 2023 Etna Bianco from Giovanni Rosso. Bright and tangy, the racy, savory palate features yellow apple, Bartlett pear, Myer lemon and saline notes alongside vibrant acidity. Showing its Etna roots, it has great energy and mineral tension.” - 92 Points, Kerin O’Keefe

“Etna's north slope, or ‘versante nord’ is better known for its reds, but there are some really impressive Carricantes being made there too. This example from Davide Rosso is whole-bunch pressed then vinified and aged in steel. It has a distinct richness of lees which gives it a soft and round feel in the mouth, while the fresh acidity adds tension and energy. Spicy notes mingle with pineapple, tangerine, peach and white flowers.” - 91 Points, Decanter

Producer: Giovanni Rosso

Country: Italy

Region: Sicily

Varietal: Carricante

Appellation: Etna DOC

Vintage: 2023

Size: 750ml