Vino di Anna ‘Palmento Bianco’ 2022 is a joyously vibrant commemoration of Sicilian terroir and tradition that pours out its soul for you. The vignerons bottle not only an array of indigenous varietals but an iota of themselves also, thus successfully striking a tenuous nerve with the consumer. Displaying the height of fresh vigour, this wine drinks like a montage of summer recorded on a Hi8 camera. Delicate aromas of orchard fruit harmonise with an exotic excitability, connected by a coil of candied ginger and cardamom. As one’s palette is swaddled, eyes close with a smile as the imagination whisks one off to a brisk, sun-speckled morning. The blanket of fog is lifting yet the grass still holds a layer of dew. One swallows, eyes open and reality returns in dazzling technicolour.
This cuveé is composed of a field-blend of organically grown grapes from the north face of Mt. Etna. Catarotto (50% of the blend) undergoes a whole-bunch pressing and fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Similarly, the mixed cassettes of Minella Bianco, Carricante and Insolia receive the same treatment. The Grecanico Dorato (40%) receives an 8 day skin maceration and undergoes pressing and blending with the other musts. Alcoholic fermentation occurs spontaneously and without temperature control. Thereafter, the wine experiences a malolactic fermentation and remains on light lees for 10 months.
Anna Martens, co-founder of the winery, had numerous, globe-trotting stints on a myriad of vineyards before settling in Sicily with husband Eric Narioo. Both came towards this venture with esteemed knowledge and passion, creating a dais on which anoraks could pray, repent and bask- they continue to shake the foundations of natural wine.
Vino di Anna ‘Palmento Bianco’ – a singing and dancing jubilee of Sicilian tradition. Indeliably shining through is the vignerons’ love for their craft and surroundings, brimming with pride.