- 100% Carricante
- Produced from young vines within the Contrada Taverna (Mascali) on the eastern slope of Etna
- 700 meters above sea level with eastern exposure
- 18 year-old vines
- Volcanic sandy soils, extremely rich in minerals
- Harvested by hand at the end of September, the whole bunches are gently pressed
- Spontaneous fermentation takes place at a low temperature in stainless steel with aging in stainless steel for 18 months
- Additional aging in bottle for 24 months prior to release
- Approximately 920 cases produced annually
Info
Producer:
Vintage:
2013
Country:
Italy
Region:
Sicily
Appellation:
Etna Bianco
Variety:
Carricante
Color:
White
Farming Practice:
Practicing Organic
Sizes Available
| Full Bottle | IT-CUS-20-13 | 12/750ml |
Resources
Press & Reviews
Vinous
Score
92
Date
2026-09-01
"Incense meets Mediterranean herbs, hints of tangerine and dried florals as the 2013 Etna Bianco Ante evolves in the glass. This is rounded in feel, with minerality to balance notes of green melon, mint and raw almond. The 2013 signs off with a pretty inner sweetness and a saline resonance. This is a testament to Carricante's aging potential."
Wine Spectator
Score
90
Date
2016-04-30
"Rich, with petrol and mineral notes on the nose, this medium-bodied white is framed by sleek acidity, showing flavors of kiwifruit, fresh tarragon, ground white pepper and tangy hint of passion fruit. Zesty finish."
REVIEWS FROM PAST VINTAGES
2022
Wine Advocate
Score
93
Date
2026-09-10
"The organic I Custodi 2022 Etna Bianco Ante ("
2022
Vinous
Score
92
Date
2026-09-10
"The 2022 Etna Bianco Ante wafts up with ginger-tinged yellow apples and pears as well as complementary whiffs of mint and raw almond. It is silken and surprisingly weighty with pure white pit fruits and stony characters. A hint of confectionery spice emerges on the long, delicate and nuanced close."
2018
Vinous
Score
93
Date
2026-09-01
"The 2018 Etna Bianco Ante has a delicate bouquet of yellow flowers, crushed almonds and Asian pear. The palate is savory, with brisk acids and crunchy orchard fruits enhancing stern minerality. It tapers off with a lemon concentration and a saline inflection."
2018
Wine Advocate
Score
92
Date
2021-10-29
"A pure expression of Carricante, the I Custodi 2018 Etna Bianco Ante (with 10,000 bottles produced) draws its fruit from a two-hectare site on the eastern side of Etna with alberello vines at a very high 900 meters above sea level. Those elevations ensure cool diurnal temperature shifts and greater freshness in the wines as a result. But this wine has three years of age one it, with winemaking in stainless steel, so we can enjoy some of the soft evolution of this age-worthy grape that transitions from pear and citrus to smoky tones and exotic Moroccan lemon. Those ashy volcanic notes are ever-present in this intriguing, complex and artisanal wine."