I Custodi
Burgundy Inspiration on the Slopes of Mt. Etna
March 6, 2026
All great wine begins in the vineyard. Mt. Etna’s rise to a world class wine region was no mistake. They took inspiration from Burgundy, one of the greatest wine regions, b emphasizing terroir and using a Burgundian cru system, the process of choosing the optimal vineyard sites that will produce the best. Applying this to the steeper slopes of and greater soil variations Mt. Etna. Sicilian winemakers modified the system to create the Contrada, a c-shape zone that optimizes the landscape of Mt. Etna to get the best combination soil, sun exposure, microclimate and air flow for healthy vines, long even ripening and fruit quality second to none.
The dynamic duo of winemaker Mario Paoluzi, a 20-year veteran of Mt. Etna wines and legendary cellar master Salvo Foti who is behind some of Etna’s largest and most acclaimed wineries and is also responsible for I Vigneri, the Etna winemakers’ guild.. Both adhere to traditional Etnean viticulture, that is, no chemicals or machinery, just work by hand and horses to promote vineyard health and minimize the impact to the environment. Constant canopy management helps vines grow vertically, achieving a root depth to survive summer water shortages. Their winery follows organic methods. Ultimately, the volatility of volcanic terrain means that Etna vines produce less fruit, which with the right viticultural work, this fruit can be richly concentrated, balanced and with exceptional acidity. Hence the name I Custodi (Guardians).
2021 I Custodi ‘Ante’ Etna Bianco
“I would place this bottle on the more elaborate and sophisticated side of the Etna Bianco spectrum. Great Job” The Wine Advocate - Monica Larner
The sun kissed fruit sourced from Contrada Puntalazzo is vibrant and sumptuous and produces a wine that is so captivating. The aroma is intoxicating, mineral texture, balanced acidity, fresh ripe fruit and the perfect touch of salinity makes the wine simply irresistible. Aroma: Zesty lemon peel, gala apples, hint of stone fruit, mint leaf and crushed oyster shells. Mouth: Fresh, dry, crisp, meyer lemon, orchard fruit, peach, crushed hazelnuts, crisp mineral texture, perfect touch of salinity and a long satisfying finish. Excellent $51, Case $43
2023 I Custodi ‘Pistus’ Etna Rosso
The Wine Advocate - Monica Larner “This is a terrific entry-level Etna Rosso from the talented folks at I Custodi.”
Pistus, meaning pressed in Italian, was named after the traditional Etna Rosso winemaking and sources the fruit for the wine from Contrada Moganazzi. The high elevation vineyard with cooling breezes from the Mediterranean produces an expressive wine made of 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nerello Cappuccio. The vineyard’s volcanic soil also adds to the intensity of fruit, mineral yet juicy and zesty acidity. Aroma: Spicy red cherry, blood orange, white pepper, leather, hint of smoke, and mediterranean herbs. Mouth: Cherry, dried strawberry, plum crush stone, sandalwood , earthy, cardamon, orange peel, medium body, fine tannins, bright acidity with a juicy refreshing finish. An excellent red wine to pair seafood dishes.
Very Good Plus $42, Case $36
Richard Harmer
Mix twelve of these in any proportion at their case prices
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