Producer

Idda

I have reviewed two wines from Idda, from the 2022 to 2023 vintages, all from Etna. Scores range from 93 to 94, averaging 94; the highest is the 2023 Idda Etna Bianco (94 points). Idda also features in one journal article on this site.

Idda is a joint venture between two icons of Italian wine: Alberto Aiello Graci of Etna and the Gaja family of Barbaresco. Launched in 2015, the project takes its name from the Sicilian dialect word for “she”, a nod to the feminine mystique of the volcano. It farms organically at high altitude, where Nerello Mascalese and Carricante grow on mineral-rich volcanic soils, bringing together Graci’s intimate knowledge of Etna with Gaja’s winemaking philosophy.

The wines are deeply volcanic in character yet polished in execution. The Etna Bianco is beguiling, mixing crushed rocks with sesame seeds, curry leaves and nectarine around a salty mineral core and a tart green-apple concentration. The Etna Rosso is spicy and warm, with Mediterranean herbs, cherry blossom and terracotta, and an enveloping, balanced palate of graphite and black pepper.

Idda is one of the most prestigious and thoughtful expressions of what Etna can deliver.