The stylistic perfection of the classic method on the etna volcano
GAUDENSIUS BLANC DE BLANCS
Brut Classic Method Spumante
Carricante
The recognition of the qualities of a soil and the in-depth knowledge of the vine-land interaction are the keystone of the work that Firriato has carried out in all his estates. Especially in Cavanera Etnea, where he produces Gaudensius Blanc de Blancs, a classic method sparkling wine born from the vinification of Carricante grapes. A very ancient white grape variety that has always been cultivated on Etna whose rows insist on altitude, bringing great components of freshness and minerality that stand out in the glass with a wide flavor and innate elegance, embellishing the palate with a fine perlage.
The recognition of the qualities of a soil and the in-depth knowledge of the vine-land interaction are the keystone of the work that Firriato has carried out in all his estates. Especially in Cavanera Etnea, where he produces Gaudensius Blanc de Blancs, a classic method sparkling wine born from the vinification of Carricante grapes. A very ancient white grape variety that has always been cultivated on Etna whose rows insist on altitude, bringing great components of freshness and minerality that stand out in the glass with a wide flavor and innate elegance, embellishing the palate with a fine perlage.
- Appellation:Brut Classic Method Spumante
- Vines: Carricante
- Terroir: mountain
- Soil: sandy loam with high drainage capacity
- Exposure: 650m above sea level
Production Area
Tenuta di Cavanera Etnea
The sandy soils of a volcanic origin are dark in colour. This chromatic trait of the soil allows it to absorb more heat during sunlight hours which then quickly escapes during the night leading to a great difference in temperature on this slope of the volcano.
Gaudensius
The classic method Spumante celebrates Sicily
The agronomic practices for the cultivation of the Carricante del Gaudensius Blanc de Blancs provide, during the pruning of the vine, an increase in the leaf surface of the plant, with the aim of covering and protecting the bunches from the sun’s rays. This practice, unlike the Carricante vineyards destined to produce grapes for still white wine, is carried out to slow down the natural ripening of the berries. This agronomic practice favors the concentration of malic acid and the accumulation of aromas. The Carricante harvest takes place around mid-September.
Gaudensius
The Classic method on the Etna volcano: The Gaudensius production
In less than three decades, Firriato is one of the great quality wineries has been able to identify its own and original production path, which on Etna has translated into planning dedicated to the classic method, which in this territory boasts over 150 years of history. Gaudensius, the classic method forged by Etna The specific slope of the volcano, on which Firriato grows its vineyards, has peculiar characteristics. The reduced distance from the sea so that the vineyards destined for the production of grapes for a sparkling wine base are influenced by the union of sea breezes and upstream-valley breezes that share in an evident climatic difference between the coastal area and that of the hinterland of the volcano. Furthermore, the Etna terroir, with its mesoclimate and its sandy soils of volcanic origin, offers the ideal conditions for the breeding of Carricante. This vine, endemic to the volcano, naturally indulges in sparkling wine. The combination of the pedoclimatic characteristics of Etna contribute to the development of grapes that are characterized by the intensity of the aromas and aromatic finesse.
GAUDENSIUS BLANC DE BLANCS
Awards
2019
5 Spheres Sparkling
2018
Robert Parker: + 90 pts
5 Spheres Sparkling
2015
Vini Buoni d’Italia: Crown
Paired with
Tabulè with Gaudensius Blanc de Blancs
Put the couscous in a very large bowl. Bring lightly salted water to a boil. Add a drizzle of oil to the water and pour over the couscous, cover with a lid and let it rest.
