# Cavanera Contrada Zottorinotto - Balza delle Poiane (2022)

- **Producer:** Firriato
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Carricante
- **Region:** Sicilia, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €25
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** lemon, grapefruit, apple, pear, peach, fennel, biscuit, butter, vanilla, almond, honey

## About this wine

Founded in the 1980s by Salvatore and Vinzia Di Gaetano, Firriato is a benchmark of modern Sicilian winemaking and a pioneer in environmental preservation, recognized as one of Italy's first certified carbon-neutral wineries. This single-vineyard Cru, Cavanera Balza delle Poiane, is born from heroic high-altitude viticulture on the northeastern slopes of Mount Etna, specifically within the Contrada Zottorinotto in Castiglione di Sicilia. Cultivated at elevations reaching up to 780 meters, the ancient bush vines (Alberello) dig deep into sandy volcanic soils from the Ancient Mongibello geological phase. This wine represents a profound expression of Etna's unique pedoclimatic conditions, where extreme diurnal temperature shifts and volcanic terroir shape a white wine of remarkable structure and longevity.

## Interesting facts

- Firriato is one of Italy's very first certified carbon-neutral wineries, reflecting a deep commitment to environmental sustainability.
- The vines are trained in the traditional 'Alberello Etneo' (bush vine) system on the steep, high-altitude slopes of active Mount Etna.
- The 2022 vintage received a stellar 94-point rating from James Suckling and the prestigious 'Corona' award from Vini Buoni d’Italia.

## Food pairing

This high-altitude white wine possesses a rare combination of rich texture and vibrant, volcanic acidity. The structural weight allows it to pair beautifully with richer seafood dishes and poultry, while its intense mineral backbone cuts through creamy sauces and the oiliness of grilled fish, creating a harmonious balance on the palate.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for this single-vineyard Carricante begins with a meticulous hand-harvest in small crates to preserve fruit integrity. After gentle pressing, the must undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation. The wine is then refined for at least six months on its noble lees ('sur lie') with daily stirring (bâtonnage) to build texture and complexity. To balance freshness and structure, 20% of the wine is aged in French oak tonneaux, while the remaining 80% is kept in inert vessels. Following this phase, the wine is blended and aged for an additional six months in stainless steel tanks, followed by a final six months of bottle refinement before release.