Description

Salvo Foti is considered the godfather of Mt Etna’s volcanic slopes!  For so many years Salvo’s work was tied to success of other top estates like Biondi and Benanti, while he served as an oenologist and vineyard consultant.  However, in 2001 Foti began to focus on his own project I Vigneri , referencing the 1435-established Maestranzi dei Vigneri, a co-operative of vineyard workers who influenced the foundation of the historic terraces of Carricante and Nerello Mascalese vines gardened high atop Etna.

Foti’s Aurora is composed of Carricante (with 10% Minella) grown in the village of Milo high on the volcano’s eastside overlooking the Adriatic Sea.  It captures the brilliance and purity of the variety that’s so heavily influenced by the sea breeze. At once its full and fleshy, with notes of melon, quince, pear, and white almonds, but the driving briny minerality of ocean salinity combined with volcanic flintiness are what ultimately define it.  All the components are in place to allow this to age beautifully, but the wine’s freshness and perfect balance let it drink with great openness and generosity while holding nothing back. We love Carricante like this new 2019 vintage, especially at the fair price.