Minella bianca

Minella bianca is a white Italian wine grape variety that is indigenous to the island of Sicily where it is grown in the foothills of Mount Etna.

The name Minella is derived from the Sicilian word minna (or "small breast"[1]) to which the berries have some resemblance due to their elongated shape.

The grape's name, Minella, is derived from the Sicilian minna which means breast and refers to the berries' shape.

In 2000, there were 86 hectares (210 acres) of the grape planted, the vast majority of which were found in the province of Catania around the foothills of Mount Etna.

The grape is rarely made as a single varietal and is most often included in a blend with Catarrato and Carricante such as in the DOC wines of Etna Bianco.

Ampelographers believe that Minella bianca originated in the foothills around Mount Etna in the eastern part of Sicily.
In Sicily, Minella bianca is often inter-planted with other Sicilian wine grapes of both red and white wine varieties.
Aniseed is a characteristic aroma note of wines made from Minella bianca.