Volcanic Wines from Sicily

Malvasia, Catarratto, and Minella white grape varieties grow on Etna, Europe’s largest and most active live volcano. Some of these grapevines are 100 years old. Because of the volcanic soil they exhibit a minerality and richness not found in the same grapes elsewhere. The red wines are made from a minimum of 80% Nerello Macalesse, an ancient vine cultivated in Etna for 400 years. It is a black, spicy grape.

Gambino wines, of the Gambino winery which is one we will visit, have a Messina Hof connection. One of the Gambino relatives served in the Marine Corp with Paul M.

Mount Etna is 10,924 feet high and has been claimed to be the site of Vulcan’s forge. Vulcan the ancient god of fire supposedly married Venus. To this day when the volcano erupts, what do the locals say has happened? Post your answers at this blog.