Minnella, or more precisely Minnella Bianca, is a native grape variety of eastern Sicily, closely associated with the slopes of Mount Etna. Its genetic origins are unclear, but the variety has been documented in the Etna area as far back as the 18th century. The name probably refers to the elongated shape of the grape, which in the Sicilian dialect is associated with the term ‘minna’, meaning ‘breast’. Traditionally, it has been grown in mixed vineyards alongside Carricante, Catarratto and Nerello Mascalese, contributing to the character of the wines from the volcano.
The leaf is medium-sized, pentagonal, three- or five-lobed, with a thin, slightly wavy margin. The bunch is medium to large, pyramidal, either simple or with a wing, and moderately loose; the berries are medium or medium-large, ellipsoidal, with a golden-yellow or greenish skin, pruinose, thin but firm, and with juicy flesh and a simple flavour. Cultivation remains concentrated mainly in the Etna region of the province of Catania, where the variety is one of those permitted in the blend of Etna wines.
When vinified as a single-varietal wine, it produces straw-yellow wines, sometimes with greenish highlights, which are fragrant and delicate, with notes of white fruit, citrus, flowers and a characteristic hint of aniseed. On the palate, it is fresh, dry, harmonious and lightly structured, with a savoury finish. Its strength lies in its drinkability and youthful finesse, whilst allowing the finest expressions to develop favourably over the medium term.
