Everything about Mount Etna arrives in small measures. Frequent changes in topography, elevation, sunlight, wind, and soils influence the color, aromas, and flavors of a wine, but every neighbor also has an idea of how best to interpret the grapes, terrain, and vintage. This is part of what makes these volcanic wines so exciting. They often escape the cross hairs of precise definition.
Thirty years ago this wasn’t the case. Vineyards growing on the slopes of the volcano Mount Etna were nearly abandoned. Now there are more than one hundred estates making some of the finest wines in the world.
This kind of rapid change doesn’t come easy. In The New Wines of Mount Etna, An Insider’s Guide to the History and Rebirth of a Wine Region, American wine expert Benjamin Spencer explores the practices, history, and joys of making wine on Europe’s largest active volcano.
COMMENTS FROM ADVANCE READERS
“To me, Sicily has always been a magical place, full of unexpected encounters and serendipity. The New Wines of Mount Etna is all you need to make your own personal discoveries and create your own Etna story.”
— Susan Hulme, Master of Wine, United Kingdom
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“The New Wines of Mount Etna offers insight and invokes emotions. As an outsider ex-pat turned expert insider, [Benjamin Spencer] portrays Etna with passion, sincerity and resolution like no other before him. This book is highly recommended for those who love Etna wines and anyone who wants first hand knowledge about this profound and mysterious wine region.“
— Arto Koskelo, Author & Jedi-Level Wine Drinker, Finland
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“A book like The New Wines of Mt. Etna has simply never existed before in the English language. Ben has gone to great lengths to bring together the unique history, culture, and traditions of this region, one that is simultaneously up-and-coming and extremely ancient. The research that has gone into producing this work and weaving together myriad points of view is tremendous, and yet it remains an enjoyable read. I wish that when I had begun coming to the region several years ago that this book had existed — it’s an excellent primer for anyone interested in learning more about what makes Etna so unique, with an thumbprint that is all Ben’s own.”
— Sarah Bray DipWSET, Writer, Brand Consultant, and Wine Educator, USA
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Copy of my book arrived today. I’m enjoying it immensely already. I’m tangentially connected to the wine industry and on a visit to Sicily a few years ago, tasted at Benanti (off season and they weren’t even open for the day but still were gracious enough to offer us some wine). Loved the wine and had a case sent back to California. So your book will find a special place on my bookshelf. Thank you bringing it to everybody.
Hi Paul, Thank you for the note! Etna is a fantastic place and I’m happy to know that you are among our growing community of Etna wine lovers. Send a flare when you’re back on the island, and don’t forget to leave a review on Amazon. It helps the book, but it also helps bring awareness of the work everyone is doing on the mountain. All the best to you and yours, Ben
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