Vineyards

The Vine & the Vineyards

An absolute unique terroir makes the vineyards – a direct consequence of Etna and its numerous eruptions since its volcanic activity began more than half a million years ago. The lava flows hardened layers upon layers, and ashes filled on top. The result today is a very porous soil that is abundant in minerals, and extremely fertile. The vineyards are cultivated in terraces held up and apart by ancient stone walls 3-4 feet (90-120 cm) high.

The vineyards are located at the North side of Etna 2300-2700 feet (700-800 meters) above sea level providing for a relatively cool climate but with lots of sunshine, and light not least from the reflections coming of the sea, and the surrounding mountains with their characteristically high proportion of chalk. All the vineyards are planted with Nerello Mascalese, and trained by the Alberello system. The plant density is approximately 8.000 vines per hectare, and yields at a very low 1,65 pounds (0,75kg) grapes per vine.

Six Unique Locations

The miniscule and excellent vineyard Bocca d’Orzo, Chiusa Politi and Montelaguardia in the zone of Randazzo combined with Passo Cannon and Santo Spirito in the zone of Passopisciaro and a little vineyard in Nave make up the 3,5 ha production site for my wines.

Passo Cannone (1ha)

Santo Spirito (0,5ha)

Bocca d’Orzo o Piano d’Aria (0,3ha)

Chiusa Politi (0,25ha)

Chiusa Monica_Montelaguardia (1ha)

Nave (0,58ha)