Terra Costantino Contrada Blandano Etna Bianco DOC 2018 (750ml) *

On the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, white wine takes on a mineral character that sets it apart from the island's sunnier reputation. This is Terra Costantino's single-contrada bottling from Blandano, a 2018 Etna Bianco DOC built on the high-altitude whites native to the mountain. Grown on the eastern face of an active volcano, the style leans toward tension and cut rather than weight.

There is a savory turn here that keeps the wine from tipping into sweetness. Rich notes of custard and almond paste meet crushed yellow apple and a lift of fresh mint, while mineral-inflected pear and a touch of hazelnut ride along a silky texture. The finish stays notably fresh and long, with a resonance of candied lemon that lingers after the glass is set down.