Can you tell us about InsidEtna tasting and what you want to achieve?
InsidEtna is a focused tasting dedicated entirely to the wines of Mount Etna and its surrounding appellation, Etna DOC, and it is the first one ever organised on a international scale.
The aim is to present the depth and diversity of Etna’s terroirs in a clear, structured way — highlighting the individuality of its contrade (cru), grape varieties, altitudes and soil types.
We want to move the conversation beyond the idea of Etna as a “trend” and instead position it as one of Europe’s truly great, terroir-driven wine regions. InsidEtna brings together producers who are deeply rooted in the territory and committed to expressing its unique volcanic identity.
This is the first time you have brought a tasting like this to London — why did you want to do it now?
InsidEtna will bring close to 40 producers from the Etna region to London
London is one of the most influential wine markets in the world and a natural meeting point for global buyers, sommeliers and press. Interest in Etna has grown significantly in the UK over the past few years, particularly within the premium on-trade.
Now feels like the right moment: Etna has reached a new level of quality, precision and international recognition. I feel that the market at the moment still has a general overview of the region. With InsidEtna I want to create an opportunity for a deeper and more technical exploration of the region.
What can buyers expect in terms of the wines on show and what styles to look forward to?
Buyers can expect a wide range of expressions from different altitudes and contrade, showcasing both reds and whites.
- Reds primarily based on Nerello Mascalese — elegant, perfumed, structured wines with fine tannins, vibrant acidity and remarkable ageing potential.
- Whites led by Carricante — saline, mineral-driven, linear wines with freshness and longevity.
- Wines from varying elevations, from 400m to over 1,000m, demonstrating how altitude shapes character.
- Different soil compositions — lava flows of different ages, ash, sand — all influencing texture and aromatics.
For those that don’t know the Etna region, how would you describe it and what are its main characteristics and differences?
Etna is a living, active volcano with vineyards planted on its slopes, often at very high altitudes. The viticulture is largely composed of old bush vines, many pre-phylloxera, grown on black volcanic soils.
Key characteristics include:
- High altitude viticulture.
- Extreme diurnal temperature variation.
- Volcanic soils rich in minerals.
- Indigenous grape varieties.
- A mosaic of small, historic contrade.
The slopes and mountain ranges have a big role to play?
Francesca Cioce founder of InsidEtna
Absolutely. The volcano’s four main slopes — north, east, south-east and south-west — each have distinct exposures, altitudes and soil ages.
The northern slope, for example, tends to produce more structured, age-worthy reds. The eastern side, influenced by sea breezes from the Ionian coast, gives freshness and precision. Higher elevations bring cooler temperatures and longer growing seasons, preserving acidity and aromatic complexity.
The southern area is warmer, sunnier and more Mediterranean in character, this side of the volcano produces wines of generosity, ripeness and volcanic depth while still retaining Etna’s signature minerality.
Etna is a patchwork of microclimates — small differences in location can dramatically change the wine’s personality.
Why do you think these wines are most suited to the UK?
The UK market has a strong appreciation for elegance, freshness and terroir transparency — qualities that define Etna wines.
The wine community, wine lovers and wine drinkers in particular value food-friendly wines with bright acidity and structural finesse.
There is also a strong collector culture in the UK, and Etna offers authenticity, ageing potential and a sense of discovery.
Can you explain the significance of the fact Etna was the first Italian region to introduce MGA classification for red wines and the absolute first to do so for its whites?
The introduction of the Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive (MGA) system within Etna DOC was a landmark decision. It formally recognised the historic contrade — individual vineyard areas with distinct identities.
For reds, this aligned Etna with a cru-level philosophy comparable to Burgundy’s village and vineyard system and Barolo and Barbaresco MGA status.
Extending Contrada status to whites was even more important, acknowledging that Carricante-based wines are equally capable of expressing site-specific character.
You are also hosting masterclasses at the show — what are they?
Matteo Montone MS will be hosting three masterclasses at InsidEtna
The goal is to equip buyers and sommeliers with a clearer understanding of Etna’s complexity and to position it among the great terroir-driven regions of the world.
There are three masterclasses taking place:
11am-12.10am: “Salinity, Sun, Warmth, Sea & Austerity” Carricante around Mount Etna – hosted by Francesca Cioce and Matteo Montone MS.
Etna’s wine diversity comes from volcanic soils, varied exposures and microclimate differences, even with short distances around the volcano. Through this masterclass we will explore how the sunnier southern exposure of Etna vineyards, the maritime influence of the east slope and the austerity of the north valley influence and emphasize the identity of Carricate produced in these areas, providing complex micro-terroir profiles.
1.30pm-2.45pm: “Tension & Austerity” North Slope, The Intellectual heart of Nerello Mascalese: Led by Francesca Cioce & Matteo Montone MS.
The North Valley’s higher altitudes and slower ripening cycles allow Nerello Mascalese to express its most cerebral and terroir-driven character: austere in youth, profoundly age-worthy, and capable of translating subtle variations in contrada, soil age, and exposure into remarkably distinct expressions. This masterclass will provide an interesting overview of different North slope identities.
3.45pm-4.30pm: Nerello Mascalese: The Many Faces of Etna” led by Matteo Montone MS.
From the richer, more generous expressions of Etna’s southern slopes to the austere, tense, and structurally driven wines of the northern valley, this masterclass explores the many definitions of Nerello Mascalese across the diverse terroirs of Mount Etna. Through a rigorous technical tasting evaluation led by Matteo Montone MS, we will examine how altitude, exposure, lava flow age, and soil composition shape the structure, aromatics, phenolic profile, and aging trajectory of this noble variety.
- InsideEtna tasting takes place at Saatchi Gallery, London between 10am.5.30pm You can find out more about the tasting and sign up hereT
- The team behind InsidEtna is looking to raise money for the relief effort to support those in Sicily who have suffered from the recent cyclone in the area. You can donate at a special GoFundme page here.
