Gaja, 'Idda' Etna Bianco, Carricante, Sicily, Italy, 2023

Overview of the Wine
In 2015, Angelo Gaja and Alberto Graci met for the first time. As the Gaja’s got to better know Alberto and his family over time, Angelo’s deep curiosity for their culture and land kept growing, and the desire of working together came naturally. Toward the end of 2016, based on the mutual respect and love of the artisanal approach in winemaking, Gaja and Graci decided to form a joint venture, a first for both of their families.

“Idda” (ee-duh) means “she” in the Sicilian dialect, which is a term of endearment and expression of awe with which Sicilians refer to Mt. Etna. For the people of Sicily, Etna is more than a mountain; it is a breathing being with her own identity and personality, a quick-tempered, capricious, yet maternal and protective mother on whom they depend on each day. In honor of Etna, IDDA is the name of our new adventure. A joint venture involving two families: Gaja and Graci (Gra-chi), that began in 2016, founded to explore the southern slope of Etna. Together searching for vineyards that express elegance and complexity driven by the specific site, soil & sunlight- that is unique to this land. IDDA is pure energy.

Winemaker
Gaia Gaja (succeeding Angelo Gaja)

Grape / Blend
Carricante

Origin
Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
To the nose, it presents Mediterranean aromas of citrus fruits (lemon, orange, grapefruit), stone fruits (ripe peach, nectarine, apricot), jasmine, and a mineral note. The palate is consistent and complex, featuring juicy, and refreshing sensations, followed by lightly salty mineral impressions. Its acidity and freshness amplify the fruity-mineral flavors, ending with a lingering aftertaste.

94 Points - Vinous
The 2023 Bianco demands attention with a beguiling bouquet that mixes crushed rocks, sesame seeds and curry leaves with nectarines and lemon zest. This opens with a pretty inner sweetness contrasted by masses of salty minerals and zesty acidity as ripe orchard fruits cascade throughout. The 2023 tapers off dramatically, long and spicy. A sour citrus tinge forces the mouth to salivate as hints of candied lime and a tart Granny Smith apple concentration slowly fade. In a word, fantastic. Drink: 2024-2030. (Jun 2024)

94 Points - Falstaff
Bright, pale straw yellow with a clear green shimmer. Opens with distinctly cool notes, some sea spray, then fine citrus notes and orange blossom. Fine, elegant fruit texture on the palate, very balanced, good tension, emphasized salty components on the finish. (Aug 2024)

93 Points - Wine Advocate
A pure expression of Carricante, the Idda 2023 Sicilia Bianco shows citrusy notes, some freshly cut grass, honey and creamy almond. This native grape from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna is usually quite sharp and steely in presentation, but this bottle from the Gaja and Graci winemaking team offers more textural heft and overall fruit weight. When you look deeper, you might find Sicilian tones of bergamot and caper blossom. Idda does a great job with this mid-weight white wine. Drink: 2024-2030. (Apr 2025)

92 Points - Wine Spectator
[$75 list] Fresh and fragrant, with a waft of citronella accenting flavors of peach skin, poached apricot, preserved lemon and toasted hazelnut. Lightly plush and pleasing in texture, with hints of lemon oil, white mocha and fleur de sel adding fine detail on the lasting finish. Drink now through 2030. 300 cases imported. (4/30/25)

92 Points - James Suckling
A crunchy white with sliced-pear and lemon character, highlighted with green-apple undertones. It’s medium-bodied with a pretty core of fruit and a fresh finish. Drink now. (7/31/24)

91 Points - Decanter
Flinty – with a ferrous note – Idda 2023 bursts with pineapple and lychee aromas, then a concentration of rich, round yet fresh exotic fruits. The wood is evident but subtle, adding texture. There's a lovely mid-palate sapidity which counteracts the richness and makes you want to go back immediately for another sip. Close you eyes and imagine drinking this by the glimmering sea with a plate full of gambero rosso di Mazara. The 2022 was slightly brighter and fresher – the result, no doubt, of a really difficult growing season with a wet spring and drought through the summer. Drinking window 2024-2028 (Sep 2024)

Product size: 750ml