This is what gives Mount Etna DOC wines their character.

Last night, Mount Etna erupted for 2 hours. Mount Etna is Europe’s most active volcano, replenishing the region’s soil every few years with hot lava music.

The black volcanic soil filters the strong flavours of grapes ripened under the Sicilian sun. This makes the wines from Mount Etna powerful, yet distinctly soft with a mineral taste.

Technical information: Mount Etna DOC

Red Grape Varieties: Nerello mascalese, Nerello mantallato

White Grape Varieties: Carricante, Catarratto bianco

Recommended wines:

Red: Etna Rosso DOC 2007, Cantine Nicosia, Sicilia (80% Nerello Mascalese, 20% Nerello Mantallato)

White: 2009 Planeta Carricante, Mount Etna, IGT Sicilia

Image and Link: “Red Sky at Night… Mount Etna erupts in spectacular fashion” (Daily Mail, 13 Jan 2011)