Angelo Gaja wisely says, “old age begins when regrets out number dreams.”
In 2016, at 76 years young, Angelo’s long-simmering desire to produce wine from Mount Etna became a reality. His curiosity for Etna had been brewing inside since his very first trip in the 1990s. He was captivated by the charm of the smoldering mountain with its black earth and immaculate snow cap, almost as if it had “an elegant mink coat resting on its shoulders” says Angelo. During an auspicious meeting in 2016 between the Gaja family and the young Etna wine producer Alberto Graci ,they discovered a shared commitment to artisanal winemaking methods.
Their synergy and shared passion led to IDDA, a joint venture on the famed volcano's slopes.
Etna is the highest altitude wine zone in Europe. Its local varieties are among the last grapes to ripen, an important attribute in an era of increasing concerns about climate change. Etna, like Langhe, is known for elegant ,enigmatic, and intriguing wines. High-quality reds produced from Nerello Mascalese on the northern slopes of Etna have long earned praise.
IDDA adopts a different approach and focuses on Etna’s little explored southern slope. Gaja and Graci are investing in the potential of Carricante, the native white grape which has received little notoriety.
IDDA will delve into how this variety develops in the different altitudes, orientations and soils on the southern sides of Etna.
IDDA means “she” in the Sicilian dialect, which is the term of endearment and awe with which Sicilians refer to the mountain. Etna is more than a volcano; a breathing being with her own identity and personality, a quick-tempered, capricious, yet maternal and protective mother on whom her inhabitants depend on each day.
THE NAME AND THE LABEL
IDDA's labels evoke various images of natural elements, from the three-dimensional altitude of the mountain to our terraced vineyards. White wines are represented by the blue tones of the Mediterranean Sea and red wines by the fiery hues of lava.The expanding pattern depicts the spiral ,one of nature's most common geometric figures. In the universe, everything seems to move in spirals--cosmic motion, human DNA, finger prints, shells, birds in flight, the vortex of water, and lava. The spiral is also an ancient symbol of continuity and growth, a symbol of female fertility , the generating force of the universe, and the mystery of life.
Meaning "she" in Sicilian dialect, IDDA is also the name Sicilians have bestowed upon their volcano. Etna is the highest altitude wine zone in Europe. Its local varietals, both red and white are among the latest ripening grapes–an important attribute in an era of increasing concerns about the impact of climate change on winemaking.
The Vineyards are lo located on the southern slope of Etna, in two sites ranging from 600 820ma.s.l. The soils of Bianca villa are of lighter colour indicating that it is the oldest soil of Etna. It derives from an old lava flow, characterized by small, round pebbles. The soil of Belpasso is richer, more porous, and darker in color with bigger and more irregular rocks.
Whole-bunch cold press fermentation at controlled temperatures followed by ageing in both oak barrel sand stainless steel tanks for 12 months before bottling. Aromas of citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, and white fruits, such as white peach, accompanied by notes of Mediterranean herbs. The palate is fresh with a strong minerality
Aromas of citrus fruits, such as grapefruit, and white fruits, such as white peach, accompanied by notes of Mediterranean herbs. The palate is fresh with a strong minerality.
Meaning "she" in Sicilian dialect, IDDA is also the name Sicilians have bestowed upon their volcano. Etna is the highest altitude wine zone in Europe. Its local varietals, both red and white, are among the latest ripening rapes–an important attribute in an era of increasing concerns about the impact of climate change on winemaking. Idda Rosso is made from Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grapes varieties amd the vineyards are located in Bianca villa on the south west slope of the Etna Volcano , between 700-800m. Fermentation and maceration for around 3 weeks partially in oak and in concrete vats. Followed by 24 months of ageing in oak and concrete. Notes of orange, pistachio, tomato leaves ,cherry, and terracotta dominate the nose. A clear expression of ripe and sweet fruit on the palate. The finish leads off with intriguing minerality, witha hint of flint. A medium structure with good acidity makes it enjoyable and refreshing.
