Located in Solicchiata, Michele Faro is among the new faces on Etna and a member of the fledgling group winemakers known as the “Etna Boys.” The estate was founded in 2005 and has 11 hectares of vineyard on the north face of Etna ranging from 600 to 900 meters above sea level. Pietradolce was developed with the help of consulting oenologist Carlo Ferrini. THE WINE ADVOCATE

...the whites of Sicily, particularly those grown in the foothills of Mount Etna, have been earning attention as among the most distinctive and unusual white wines in Italy, if not the world ERIC ASIMOV, www.newyorktimes.com

While Etna's fame largely was driven by its smokey volcanic reds made from Nerello Mascalese and Capuccio, the whites, particularly those made from the native Carricante, should be cause for equal excitement.  

The Carricante grape is such a wonderful conduit for the volcanic soils of Etna and delivers wines with wonderful aromatics peppered with lemon balm, Mediterranean herbs and white flowers and a lovely interplay between a silky texture and saline, mineral acidity that breathes energy and life into the wines. 

The contrade wines, which generally see a bit of older oak, can deliver an experience as thrilling as just about any other white wine on the planet be it from Burgundy or beyond, but for me there is just so much to love about a great bottle of Etna Bianco. The wonderful aromatic lift, the saline freshness sometimes a little nutty intrigue or smokey highlight. The sense of place is indelible, and they walk the perfect line between complexity and conviviality. 

There are a handful of true superstars on the volcano, but few do this white side of the Etna equation as well as Michele Faro's Pietradolce. Faro launched his estate in 2005, one of the original 'Etna Boys, armed with a enviable collection of old vines near the town of Castiglione di Sicilia on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. Sites are as important here as anywhere such is the incredible diversity within a small geographical area. 

For me Pietradolce's Etna Bianco is 'Best in Class' material. It's 100% Carricante - all killer no filler - and the fruit comes from Solicchiata on the northern slopes of Etna and is gently pressed and then fermented and raised in stainless steel. This light touch captures both the wonderful fruit and fragrance of Carricante and presses into it the unmistakable mark of Etna. It walks the line beautifully between intricacy and enjoyment and at a price tag that makes opening and sharing them regularly a lot easier. 

This is an excellent example of what I think it one of Itay's great white wines and I urge you to buy it, drink it and come back for more.