Versante Nord Blanco 2024 – Etna White IGT

Overview

Versante Nord 2024 by Eduardo Torres Acosta is a white wine from the northern slopes of Mount Etna, sourced from old vineyards located in six historic contrade: Pietramarina, Allegracore, Piano Daini, Friera, Zucconero, and Marchesa. It reflects a fragmented volcanic landscape where each plot contributes a different expression of terroir. The vineyards include a natural 10–15% presence of white grapes within old Nerello Mascalese plantings, adding complexity and identity. The result is a precise, essential, and deeply Etna-driven white wine.

Wine history

This wine originates from the recovery of old vineyards on the northern side of Mount Etna, a historic agricultural heritage characterized by mixed plantings. The vines, with an average age of over 50 years, represent a living memory of traditional Etna viticulture. The presence of white varieties within historically red-grape vineyards reflects an ancient farming system that is today interpreted with a contemporary and sensitive approach.

Vineyard philosophy

Viticulture follows a natural approach, focusing on balance and soil vitality in volcanic conditions. Vineyards are trained mainly as traditional alberello and double Etna cordon systems, allowing vines to adapt to extreme conditions. The goal is to preserve vineyard complexity without forcing it, maintaining low yields and a true expression of each contrada.

Winemaking approach (including grape varieties)

Winemaking is completely natural, with spontaneous fermentation and no temperature control. The blend is composed of approximately 50% Minnella and 50% native varieties such as Carricante, Catarratto, Inzolia, and Grecanico, contributing structure, freshness, and aromatic complexity. A short skin maceration of about two days adds depth and texture without compromising elegance.

Aging takes place in cement tanks and old 2.28 hl barrels, chosen to preserve precision and purity. Intervention is minimal, aiming to express the volcanic identity of the fruit and its multiple contrade origins.

Tasting notes

Color: bright straw yellow with golden reflections, highlighting its mineral profile.
Nose: citrus and floral notes with Mediterranean herbs, flint, and subtle saline hints.
Palate: vertical and tense structure with vibrant freshness, pronounced sapidity, and a long, slightly almond and mineral finish.

Pairings

Excellent with structured seafood dishes, shellfish, grilled fish, and vegetables with bitter or wild herbal notes. Also pairs well with fresh cheeses and traditional Sicilian cuisine.

Technical sheet

• Classification: Etna Bianco IGT
• Grapes: 50% Minnella, 50% Carricante, Catarratto, Inzolia, Grecanico
• Soil: fine volcanic ash sands from Etna eruptions
• Farming: natural
• Vine age: over 50 years
• Harvest: last week of September
• Vinification: spontaneous fermentation, 2 days skin maceration, no temperature control
• Aging: cement tanks and old 2.28 hl barrels
• Contains sulfites

Eduardo Torres Acosta

History

Eduardo Torres Acosta was born in Tenerife in 1982 and grew up in a family deeply connected to traditional viticulture. From an early age, he developed a strong interest in vineyards, which led him to study Agricultural Engineering and Oenology. This educational path shaped a technical yet vineyard-focused approach, where observation and scientific understanding work in balance.

After his early training in Spain, his journey expanded into new territories. In 2012 he took part in the harvest at Arianna Occhipinti, an experience that marked a turning point in his professional growth. The following year he worked as an oenologist at Passopisciaro, on Mount Etna, where he encountered an extreme form of viticulture shaped by volcanic soils, high altitudes, and ancient bush-trained vines.

In 2014 he began the project of recovering leased vineyards on the northern side of Mount Etna. This complex but highly promising area is defined by historic contrade and fragmented plots. From this work, the foundation of his current estate was born. The first official vintage was bottled in the same year.

Vineyard philosophy

His agricultural philosophy is based on a simple principle: minimizing human intervention. The vineyard is observed and interpreted rather than forced, prioritizing balance and soil vitality.

Most vineyards are planted as traditional Etna alberello bush vines, with a significant number of old vines. This heritage is preserved through manual work and controlled yields, aiming for concentration and clear vineyard identity.

Winemaking approach

In the cellar, the approach is minimal and non-invasive. Vinifications are designed to accompany the wine without altering its natural expression. Fermentations rely on native yeasts and limited technological intervention, always prioritizing territorial expression.

Aging takes place in neutral vessels such as stainless steel or used large oak barrels to avoid aromatic influence. The goal is to preserve fruit clarity and highlight the volcanic character of Etna.

Production vision

Today the estate manages approximately 4.7 hectares divided into 9 vineyards at different altitudes and contrade. The work focuses on recovering old vineyards and enhancing micro-territorial diversity.

The philosophy also includes constant dialogue with other producers and regions, aiming to enrich perspective without compromising identity. The result is a wine style that expresses Etna in a direct, precise, and recognizable way.