CANTINA maugeri
MT etna (milo ) - sicily
“This is an incredible Etna white with the depth and intensity of a grand cru Burgundy, showing sliced cooked apples, cream, flint, oyster shells and spices. Full-bodied and layered with super length and finish. Weightless and true. A triumph.”
Maugeri was founded in 2015 by sisters Carla, Michela and Paola, with their father Renato, in Milo on the eastern flank of Mount Etna — the only township permitted to carry the Etna Bianco Superiore designation. Working alongside celebrated enologist Emiliano Falsini, they revived 83 terraces of lava dry-stone walls stretching between Contrada Volpare and Contrada Praino, planting the vines at 700 metres elevation in sandy decomposed lava soils, trained in the traditional Alberello Etneo style — bushvines supported by a single pole. From these vines the estate produces wines of striking mineral precision, nuance and finesse. Three Etna Bianco Superiore wines are made with 100% Carricante, along with a sultry Catarratto, and a savoury, structured rosato, announcing Maugeri as one of Italian fine wine's most exciting new names.
“...what’s really special here is the light: the sea acts almost as a mirror, reflecting sunlight. It’s light, not heat. It’s dazzling and aids the vines in their growth processes.”
THE WINES
Maugeri Etna Bianco Superiore DOC Contrada Volpare (Carricante)
100% Carricante grapes grown in sandy decomposed lava soil in Milo (Contrada Volpare), on the east side of Mount Etna. The vines were planted in 2016 on dry, lava stone wall terraces at about 700 metres above sea level, facing mainly East. The grapes are harvested by hand in early October then taken to the cellar and left in the press at low temperature for 3 hours. The whole bunches are then softly pneumatic-pressed with 90% of the must fermented in stainless steel and 10% in French oak tonneaux of 500 litres. After fermentation the wine is aged in these vessels for 8 months before bottling. Malo-lactic fermentation is not carried out.
“Pure and vivid with sliced lemons, apples, pear blossoms and ash that follow through to a medium body with focused fruit. The subtle and sophisticated finish shows hints of cream, honeysuckle and basalt. Delicious. Drink now or hold.” (2023) 95 points - James Suckling.
Maugeri Etna Bianco Superiore DOC Contrada Volpare ‘Frontebosco’ (Carricante)
100% Carricante grapes grown in sandy decomposed lava soil near Milo, on the east side of Mount Etna. ‘Frontebosco’ is a single hectare amphitheater within Contrada Volpare that faces south. The vines were planted in 2014 on dry, lava stone wall terraces surrounded by forest at about 700 metres above sea level. The grapes are harvested by hand in early October then taken to the cellar and left in the press at low temperature for 6 hours. The whole bunches are then softly pneumatic-pressed with 90% of the must fermented in French oak tonneaux of 500 litres and 10% in stainless steel. After fermentation the wine is aged in these vessels for 8 months before bottling. Malo-lactic fermentation is not carried out.
"...Frontebosco wafts up with a gorgeous blend of peach skins, green melon, sage and crushed stones. It’s elegant and refined with silken textures, nearly oily in feel, easily casting ripe apple and mineral-drenched pear across the palate. The Frontebosco finishes dramatically long and saline, lightly structured, leaving a resonance of lemon and savory spice. It would be difficult to distinguish this from Premier Cru White Burgundy in a blind lineup." - Eric Guido, Vinous.
“Perfumed floral aromas are enchanting with flint and matchstick undertones. Medium-bodied and focused with precise flavors of honeysuckle, sliced pineapple and pears. Flinty, intense finish with lots of pine needles and sea salt. Drink now.” (2023) 97 points - James Suckling.
Maugeri Etna Bianco Superiore DOC Contrada Praino ‘Frontemare’ (Carricante)
100% Carricante grapes grown in sandy decomposed lava soil in Milo (Contrada Praino), on the east side of Mount Etna. ‘Frontemare’ is a single, east facing parcel of 1.5 hectares that is separated from Volpare to the north by a ravine. The vines were planted in 2019 (south side) and 2021 (north side) on dry, lava stone wall terraces at about 700 metres above sea level. The soil here is richer in clay and also sandier than in Volpare. The grapes are harvested by hand in early October then taken to the cellar and left in the press at low temperature for 6 hours. The whole bunches are then softly pneumatic-pressed, with 70% of the must fermented in French oak tonneaux of 500 litres and 30% stainless steel. After fermentation the wine is aged in these vessels for 8 months before bottling. Malo-lactic fermentation is not carried out.
“Etna Bianco is another category that has become much more important over the last few years. Arguably the best examples are from the Milo district on the east slope of Etna. This single vineyard offering has tremendous depth of fruit, superb varietal character and outstanding persistence - this is a vibrant white wine. There is the structure and stuffing with this wine for at least a decade of aging potential. Based on this vintage (2022) as well as the 2021, this is one of Italy’s finest white wines!” - Tom Hyland, Forbes
“This is an incredible Etna white with the depth and intensity of a grand cru Burgundy, showing sliced cooked apples, cream, flint, oyster shells and spices. Full-bodied and layered with super length and finish. Weightless and true. A triumph. A pure carricante grown at 700 meters. Drink now or hold.” (2023) 98 points - James Suckling.
Maugeri Etna Bianco Terre Siciliane IGT Catarratto
100% Catarratto grapes grown in sandy decomposed lava soil near Milo, on the east side of Mount Etna. The vines were planted to a half hectare, north-facing nook within Contrada Volpare just before the ravine on the edge of Contrada Praino. The vines were planted in 2016 on dry, lava stone wall terraces surrounded by forest at about 700 metres above sea level. The grapes are harvested by hand in early October then taken to the cellar and left in the press at low temperature for 3 hours. The whole bunches are then softly pneumatic-pressed with 90% of the must fermented in French oak tonneaux of 500 litres and 10% in stainless steel. After fermentation the wine is aged on fine lees in tank for 8 months before bottling. Malo-lactic fermentation is not carried out.
“Thus those Catarratto grapes grown in Milo in the vineyard in Contrada Volpare at 700 meters above sea level, on the terraces facing north, give life to pure Catarratto for the first time in 2021. The 2022 presents itself with a brilliant straw yellow colour, a rich, explosive nose, almost reminiscent of a Sauvignon Blanc, but immediately makes its mountain identity unmistakable with its 700 meters of altitude and its sandy and rich in volcanic soil. minerals. Fresh, with hints of aromatic herbs which then leave room for notes of exotic fruits, passion fruit and grapefruit. The sip is juicy, broad but still leaves the signature of its terroir with acidity and a very strong flavour and very long finish. Only 2,500 bottles for this Catarratto that you don't expect.” - Francesca Landolina, Cronachedigusto
“Extremely aromatic with wildflowers and spearmint as well as fresh thyme. Medium-bodied, vivid and bright with a lovely length and energy. Lots of dried fruit. Tangy and flavorful. Bitter dried lemons at the end. Drink now.” (2024) 94 points - James Suckling.
Maugeri Etna Rosato DOC Contrada Volpare (Nerello Mascalese)
100% Mascalese grapes grown in sandy decomposed lava soil near Milo (Contrada Volpare), on the east side of Mount Etna. The vines were planted to a single hectare in 2016 on dry, lava stone wall terraces at about 700 metres above sea level. The grapes are harvested by hand in early October then taken to the cellar and left in the press at low temperature for a couple of hours. The whole bunches are then softly pneumatic-pressed and the must is fermented in French oak tonneaux of 500 litres (the grapes are harvested only for this rosé, not as a ‘saignée’ from red wine production). The resulting wine is aged on fine lees for four months in French oak tonneaux.
“The 2022 Etna Rosato Contrada Volpare is distinctly savory, displaying a smoky blend of dried peaches, apricots and sage. This floods the palate with textures of pure silk as a wave of ripe orchard fruits and sweet spices washes through. Crunchy minerals linger as the 2022 finishes long, potent and mouthwatering. Stunning.” - Eric Guido, Vinous.
“…striking, complex wine, a kaleidoscope of different aromas and flavors including various berries, and hints of citrus-peel and herbs. One of the best rosé wines I’ve drunk from anywhere, generously fruity but also concentrated and electric on the palate; try it with roast chicken or salmon. (Fine dry rosé is a very versatile wine with food, and not just in the summertime.) I would drink this young for freshness, but I imagine it will hold or perhaps even improve in the bottle.” - Oliver McCrum Wines & Spirits
“A fragrant rose with a floral profile, a bit of pear candy, white-pepper minerality and small red fruits. Smooth and silky with medium body, it's fresh and savory. Flavors of stone fruits in the finish. Drink now.” (2024) 92 points - James Suckling.
