Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Gambino Vini – Tifeo Etna Bianco 2023
Etna DOC, Sicily – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A striking white blend from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, crafted with 72% Carricante and 28% Catarratto, two of Sicily’s most important indigenous grapes. Etna Bianco wines are fast becoming symbols of Italy’s volcanic terroirs, delivering mineral-driven, authentic expressions far from mainstream white styles.

Aromas & Flavors
Expressive and layered, offering citrus zest, green apple, and pear, complemented by wild herbs and subtle floral tones. A hint of saline minerality underscores the volcanic origin, while a smoky whisper adds complexity.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and a lingering citrus-stone finish. Textured yet refreshing, it balances richness and precision beautifully.

Winemaking Notes
High-altitude vineyards on Etna’s northern slopes provide cool nights and intense sun exposure, yielding grapes with freshness and concentration.

Food Pairing
Perfect with seafood pasta, grilled swordfish, Sicilian caponata, or fresh cheeses. A versatile choice that can elevate both traditional Sicilian fare and modern pairings.

Verdict
A compelling introduction to Etna’s whites: mineral, distinctive, and deeply expressive. For wine lovers seeking to explore volcanic terroirs, this is a must-try.

📚 Educational Sidebar – Why This Can Age
Carricante, Etna’s flagship white grape, has been cultivated for over 1,000 years. With naturally high acidity and strong minerality, it develops honeyed, nutty, and petrol-like complexity over time, much like Riesling. While delicious now, top Etna Bianco blends like this can age gracefully for 7–10 years, layering depth without losing freshness. Cheers! — a day ago

Ann Elizabeth Mekala

9.0

I loved this. A super interesting red and so full of life. A little apple a little cherry late tannins. Kind of wonderful!

(Paired with pork roast=yes) — 5 months ago

Sharon B

9.3

A much needed big pour! It’s been a very long week! After an hour decant this wine is so silky smooth and very fruit forward. TGIF! — 2 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2013 “Etichetta Bianca” pours a garnet color with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with fascinating notes of ripe and desiccated fruits: black cherry, pomegranate, red flowers, roasted beef, cedar chest, alpine herbs and rocky earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and savory. Ferrando’s Carema (both white and black labels) are never short on personality and always such a joy to share with others. Drink now through 2043.  — a month ago

Jessica Williams

9.7

Cooking class with sommelier and Peter. Like a Zinfandel. — 3 months ago

Hannah Holthaus

9.4

Tasting notes of cherry and brown sugar with high tannins and a zippy finish. Really good if you’re looking for a bright, straightforward wine that can pair well with a lot — 9 months ago

Matthew Cohen

9.4

Wow.

Nose: a mere hint of Brett. Blows off. Gorgeous pink roses. Intense.

Palate: perfect sweet cherry fruit. Still a bit grippy tannins. Luscious. Terrific.

Fass selections — 3 months ago

Steve Medbery

9.2

Beautiful ruby color, luscious, smooth, medium light body, red berry and pomegranate with floral notes and spice. — 3 months ago

Miles Perry

9.2

A wonderful Primitivo — 4 months ago

Nina Makhortova

9.0

Wow! I Was not sure if to believe the 9.2 mark but I am blown away! Amazing red! I will give it a solid 9. Just because I am not sure i tried 9.2 — 2 years ago