Is there a more dynamic place to make wine in Italy than on Mount Etna in Sicily? Cantine Nicosia is based at the foot of Etna, on the east coast of Sicily, where Carmelo Nicosia, along with his sons Franceso and Graziano (5th generation), have developed their family business into one of the area’s most important wine producers. Their Trecastagni winery is where tradition meets ultra-modern technology.
Trecastagni, at the base of one of the extinguished craters dotting Mount Etna and at an altitude of around 700m, is home to the ancient vineyards of Monte Gorna, with their distinctive lava terraces. The vineyards have been completely restructured and replanted, focusing on the native varieties used for Etna DOC wines: Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio for the red, and Catarratto and Carricante for the whites. The extraordinary wealth of minerals found in Etna’s volcanic soils can be credited with the very rich flavour and unique character of the wines produced here.
Just a few miles from the southernmost tip of the Italian peninsula is the lively agricultural centre of Vittoria and the Contrada Bonincontro district – home to the large and impeccably groomed Cerasuolo di Vittoria vineyards planted exclusively with Nero d’Avola, Frappato and Syrah.
A proportion of Cantine Nicosia’s vineyards are certified organic by SIDEL, and its wines are certified as vegan by the Istituto Certificazione Etica e Ambiente.
Vineyards
Produced from carefully selected Grillo grapes, organically farmed in southeast Sicily in predominantly clay soil.
Vinification
After hand harvesting and destemming the grapes are gently pressed. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel at 15-18° for 15-20 days, and the wine remains in bottle for a couple of months before release.
Tasting Notes
From Nicosia’s organic vineyards in southeast Sicily, with minimal intervention in the production process and low sulphur levels – a fine and characterful expression of the island’s signature white variety.
Lightly honeyed nose with subtle stone fruit and floral notes, aromatic herbs and fennel. Bright and fresh on the palate with ripe citrus fruit, nice depth of flavour and a crisp, savoury finish.
Serve with pasta / risotto dishes with fish or vegetables.
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