The 2022 Gaja, "IDDA" Etna Rosso Sicily was a Merchant's Pick
You won't find a better Sicilian red!
May 06, 2025
Gaja, the legendary Piedmontese estate revered for its iconic Barolo and Barbaresco, has taken its world-class winemaking south—to the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna.
The 2022 Gaja IDDA Rosso is a striking expression of this rugged Sicilian terroir, blending the precision and elegance that define Gaja’s Northern Italian masterpieces with the wild energy of the Nerello Mascalese grape.
IDDA, meaning “she” in Sicilian dialect, is a tribute to the mountain herself—Etna—whose lava-rich soils and high-altitude vineyards yield wines of tension, depth, and minerality.
IDDA opens with lifted aromas of red currant, blood orange, crushed wild herbs, and smoky volcanic ash. On the palate, it's a study in elegance and restraint—fine-grained tannins frame a core of sour cherry, pomegranate, and dried rose petals, and a touch of savory spice. The wine shows remarkable energy and minerality, a signature of Etna’s high-altitude, lava-strewn soils. The finish is long, vibrant, and precise, with a saline lift that lingers.
Food Friendly And Versatile
IDDA captures both the ethereal finesse of Gaja’s Northern roots and the untamed spirit of Sicily’s most dynamic terroir. It pairs beautifully with dishes that echo its elegant structure and earthy complexity:
- IDDA Rosso shines with lighter, summer-friendly dishes such as grilled swordfish, tuna carpaccio, or herb-marinated chicken off the grill.
- IDDA is a brilliant match for Sicilian-inspired fare—think caponata, roasted peppers, or eggplant parmigiana—as well as tomato-based pasta dishes and charred vegetables.
- IDDA's red-fruited brightness and savory undertones make it a refined yet refreshing companion for warm-weather dining - you can even chill it a few degrees if you like.
Or, simply open and enjoy a glass by itself.
An extremely versatile wine, IDDA will age for decades.
Enjoy!