A Gaja on Etna
Gaia Gaja and Alberto Aiello Graci in Idda Carricante vineyards as Etna fumes
One of the wine world’s most interesting pairings began about eight years ago when Angelo Gaja — great engine of Italian wine excellence for the last half century — announced a joint venture to make wine on Sicily’s Mount Etna.
Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, is home to Italy’s hottest wine scene — documented in my book Palmento. Winemakers from across Italy, Europe and the world have flocked here to make Nerello Mascalese reds and Carricante whites.
But what distinguishes IDDA — Gaja’s venture with Etna winemaker Alberto Graci — is its exploration of the volcano’s hot and drier southern slopes to produce mainly white wines. Then there is the Gaja factor of curiosity, bold thinking and investment.
Gaia Gaja and Alberto Aiello Graci in Idda's new winery
This month, in Robert Camuto Meets… I explore IDDA and its first wines up close with Gaia Gaja and Graci. Read the first of the two columns here (free) at winespectator.com
