IDDA was established in 2016 through a collaboration between two prominent Italian winemaking families. It brought together the Piedmont powerhouse "Gaja" and the renowned wine producer from Etna, "Graci," in a partnership. This collaboration marked the first time Gaja had joined forces with another Italian winery. Back in 1990, Gaja's owner, Angelo Gaja, had shown great interest in "Sicily" but couldn't pursue it at the time due to numerous projects in Tuscany. However, fate brought Angelo Gaja and Alberto Graci together, and their shared passion for the land and similar winemaking philosophies resulted in elegant, complex, and high-quality wines.
The name "IDDA" is a term of endearment in Sicilian dialect, akin to the Sicilian people's adoration and reverence for Mount Etna, which they consider their "mother". The winery is situated on the southern slopes of the volcano and is often referred to as the "rebellious Etna." This is because most wineries are located on the "northern side," but Angelo Gaja believed that the south-facing slopes, with their temperature and elevation, would provide the wines with an elegant structure and a bright, balanced acidity. It is an ideal environment for producing elegant wines with aging potential. This venture demonstrates Angelo Gaja's spirit of challenge, innovation, and rebellion, which unexpectedly results in exceptional quality wines.