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Minnella (full name Minnella Bianca) is an exceptionally rare, indigenous white grape variety grown on the island of Sicily, exclusively on the slopes of the active Mount Etna volcano. It yields gentle, lower-acidity white wines characterized by striking volcanic minerality and aromas of apples, anise, and wildflowers. It is an authentic Sicilian discovery.
Read moreAround the Mount Etna volcano, white wines are usually dominated by other varieties, so Minnella mostly plays a harmonious supporting role.
Traditionally, this variety is blended with the volcano's main grapes—Carricante and Catarratto. Minnella provides the sharp and highly acidic Carricante wine with much-needed softness, roundness, and elegant floral notes. However, some niche winemakers (for example, the Benanti estate) produce exceptional 100% Minnella wines. These solo drinks reveal their full beauty after a short maceration and feature a fresh and supple texture.
Due to its gentle structure and subtle minerality (saltiness), Minnella is the perfect partner for classic Sicilian island cuisine. This wine pairs flawlessly with fresh seafood, swordfish steaks, Arancini (rice balls), fresh ricotta cheeses, and vegetable appetizers.
In the local Sicilian dialect, the word "minna" means breast. The grape received this spicy name due to the unique shape of its berries—they are not round but slightly elongated and pointed, resembling the shape of a woman's breast.
In the historic vineyards of Mount Etna (which are often over 100 years old), there was a tradition of planting different varieties together (interplanted) in the same field. White Minnella grapes were often planted next to the red Nerello Mascalese, and in ancient times winemakers would harvest and ferment them together to give the red wines more aromatics and to soften their harsh tannins.
