Minella Bianca

Minella Bianca is a rare white grape variety native to Sicily, most commonly cultivated on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. Although its exact origins remain uncertain, the name Minella is believed to derive from the unique shape of its berries - elongated and curved- resembling a small breast (minna in Sicilian dialect).

Historically, Minella Bianca has played a minor but consistent role in Sicilian viticulture and is one of the native grapes permitted in the production of Etna DOC wines. It is almost always vinified in blends, most notably with Catarratto, contributing aromatic freshness and elegance to the final wine.

The grape is characterized by white, medium-large, ellipsoidal berries with thin but consistent golden-yellow or greenish skin and a noticeable waxy coating. The bunches are medium to large, pyramidal, sometimes winged, and moderately loose. Its leaves are typically medium-sized and pentagonal with three to five lobes.

Minella Bianca is a low-vigour, late-ripening vine that performs best when trained in traditional low bush systems (alberello) with short, minimal pruning. Although its yields can be generous, they tend to be irregular from year to year, which has limited its wider adoption in commercial vineyards.

The wines produced from Minella Bianca are delicate and refined. They typically present a straw-yellow colour, a dry and fresh palate, and a subtle aromatic profile marked by pleasant fruity notes. These wines are light-bodied, with low alcohol content, but well balanced and harmonious, making them ideal for those seeking elegant and easy-drinking white wines with a sense of place.

While rarely bottled on its own, Minella Bianca adds finesse and character to blends and remains a testament to the deep-rooted viticultural heritage of Mount Etna.