Wines of Sicily Archives

A new map of the Contrade dell’Etna has just been updated

The process has been long and meticulous. The map clearly defines and identify the borders and the exact position of the Contradas within the Etna DOC production area. It was prepared by the Consorzio Tutela Vini Etna DOC with contribution by the Agriculture Department of the Department of Agriculture of the Sicilian Region.

The identification of the districts has been previously based on the interpretation of old cadastral maps with no updates to level curves, and continuous eruptive activity of Etna. The new map was created starting from recent topographic surveys which were then superimposed on cartographic layers constructed through multiple surveys with GIS (Geographic Information System) instruments.

“This is a demanding job that has finally come to an end and which represents only the first step in an even more complex project of studying the Etna area” comments Francesco Cambria, President of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Etna DOC. “Never had a study of this type been done.

The goal was to clarify the exact boundaries of the 133 Contrade dell’Etna within the production disciplinary and to identify the new ones that will be officially introduced in the coming months.

The incredible biodiversity that Etna preserves, in fact, is expressed not only within the different slopes of the volcano where our viticulture is present, but also in the many Contradas starting from the different stratifications of the lava flows and the exposure of the vineyards. . All factors that make each Contrada almost unique within the Etna area, capable of giving different nuances to its wines “.

The Production Disciplinary of the Etna Controlled Designation of Origin, the oldest present in Sicily born in 1968, recognizes from 2011 within its area, which extends over the territory of 20 municipalities, the presence of 133 districts, legally equivalent to Additional Geographical Units. In the long work of reconnaissance of the territory, the updating of the borders has led to the identification of 9 new districts, thanks to the collaboration of the producers belonging to the Consortium, which will be officially included in the next update of the production specification. The new Map of the Contrade also takes into consideration the latter, reaching the number of 142 Contradas, divided into the territory of 11 municipalities: 25 in Randazzo, 41 in Castiglione di Sicilia, 10 in Linguaglossa, 13 in Piedimonte Etneo, 8 in Milo, 4 in Santa Venerina, 20 in Zafferana Etnea, 9 in Trecastagni, 6 in Viagrande, 1 in Santa Maria di Licodia, 5 in Biancavilla.

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Cavanera Wine Resort – (Etna) Sicily

I arrived at Cavanera Wine Resort ….what amazing views of Mount Etna ….I certainly felt the energy of the volcano! I can see that staying at Cavanera will seriously push this wine adventure to the next level!

The property is on the slopes of Mount Etna, approximately 650-950 metres above sea level, between the vineyards of Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Carricante and Catarratto which are on a series of terraces, covering many contradas from north-east to north slopes of the Mount Etna. It consists of pre-phylloxera vineyards with some younger replanting activities. The andisol soil has a high silicon content of 60%, and is extremely porous. The soil substrate of basaltic rock guarantees a constant source of water for the vines. The range in temperature between day and night and the great oenological merits of the volcano being silently emitted are exhibited when you taste the wines.

The resort, an ancient farmhouse with two 17th century palmentos, has all the modern comforts, is set in an unspoilt natural landscape with fabulous mountain views. Nature certainly serves as the central wine tourism theme at the Cavanera Wine Resort. There are 21 double rooms with interiors combining modern style and typical Sicilian charm. A few steps from one of the terraces is a beautiful saltwater pool and the entrance to the Etna Wine Bar.

La Riserva Bistrot

The on-premise restaurant, La Riserva Bistrot has a captivating modern décor and a cozy ambiance. I discovered some amazing local traditional dishes, and local wines. The wine list is a journey to discover Sicilian authenticity from Trapani to Catania. Just to let you know – you can taste all of Firrato’s labels, including Gaudensius which is produced in three classic method styles. The staff is quite knowledgeable on Sicilian wines and the service was impeccable.

The large bistro terrace offers amazing panoramic view of the vineyards of Nerello Mascalese and Carricante, some of the historical varieties of the Volcano. The sunset here is not to be missed – It becomes magical, with a mixture of colors that merge alongside the view of the majesty of Mount Etna.

All I can say is that at La Riserva Bistrot, I had some …

“Great wine tasting experiences, paired with refined exquisite Sicilian dishes, while being surrounded by this magical volcanic landscape certainly, all made my stay here more outstanding!”

Some Facts:

The Firriato winery owns three hospitality facilities: Baglio Soria in Trapani, Calamoni di Favignana on Favignana island and Cavanera Etnea on Mt Etna

Their wines are made from indigenous Sicilian Varieties and International varieties

Organically grown grapes

The winery is 100% Carbon Neutral

Six estates where the grapes are grown: Baglio Soria – Trapani, Borgo Guarini – Trapani, Dagala Borromeo – Trapani, Pianoro- Trapani, Calamoni on the Island of Favignana and Cavanera on Mt. Etna.

A special “Thank You” to Federico Lombardo di Monte Iato, COO Firriato Winery, and Rossella Marino Abate, Consulente Social Media presso Firriato for their warm welcome and wonderful hospitality.

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Drone Footage on Mount Etna [The Highest Active Volcano in Europe]

…….Pls note: DF will be found on my Instagram @lizpalmer_

One of the most memorable highlights of my trip to Sicily was a 1.5 km hike up Mount Etna with Federico Lombardo di Monte Iato, COO of Firriato wines, and Rossella Marino Abate, Consulente Social Media presso Firriato and to celebrate the trek tasting Le Sabbie Dell’Etna Rose 2021 on lava rocks.

Experiencing Mount Etna in person was like visiting a distant planet, as you can see from the footage. We had clear visibility with various cloud formations which made the trek more magical. Views of the terrain were spectacular….

We walked through startling volcanic landscapes: silver birch woods, pine forests, and lava flows. The terrain was very challenging with the altitude changes and unstable volcanic rock, but worth it!

There are documented records of Mount Etna historical eruptions dating back to 1500 BCE. Scientists have found that activity has frequently originated from its summit areas, which include the Northeast Crater, the Voragine-Bocca Nuova complex, the Southeast Crater (formed in 1978) and the New Southeast Crater (formed in 2011). Another crater, the “cono della sella” developed during 2017 between SEC and NSEC. Its most recent eruptive period began in September 2013 and more recently has been characterized by Strombolian explosions, ash plumes, lava fountaining, and flows.

According to the Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program Mount Etna has three volcanic types: Stratovolcano, Caldera, and Pyroclastic cone.

Stratovolcano is located:

Latitude 37.748°N

Longitude 14.999°E

Summit 3320 m

Elevation 10,892 ft

And believe it or not scientists have numbered the volcanos and Mount Etna is active Volcano Number 211060. Its last known eruption was February 23-25 2022 CE. A brief overview of the report follows.

Last Report
February 23 – March 1 2022

INGV reported that during 23-25 February activity at Etna’s Southeast Crater (SEC) was characterized by Strombolian activity and occasional ash emissions that rapidly dispersed to the SSW and SSE. At 1338 on 24 February a forceful ash emission from Northeast Crater drifted SSE. A diffuse ash emission rose from the same crater at 1642. Emissions at Bocca Nuova Crater consisted mainly of gas with occasional minor ash content during 21-27 February.

Source: Sezione di Catania – Osservatorio Etneo (INGV)

Wine Tasting on Mount Etna

Le Sabbie Dell’Etna Rose 2021

Grape Variety: Nerello Mascalese 100%

The grapes come from different areas of the North side of the Etna. The soil

composition is Loamy –sandy of volcanic origin, highly draining. Exposure is

the Northeastern side of the Volcano (720 metres above sea level).

Tasting Notes

Beautiful fine pink colour; The wine has pronounced intensity on the nose with aromas of ripe raspberries, pomegranate, and minerality; on the palate there is freshness, medium acidity, with flavors of strawberries lots of minerality through to a long finish. A great elegant wine that reflects the territorial characteristics of its origin.

Thank you Federico Lombardo di Monte Iato, Firriato wines, and Rossella Marino Abate for this amazing memorable experience!

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@assovinisicilia @just_sicily @wineinsicily

The Balio Gardens – Erice Sicily

A few days ago we had an amazing lunch with local specialities, accompanied with some lovely Sicilian wines on the grounds of The Balio Gardens, Erice.

Some History and Viewpoints

The Balio Gardens are built in 1872 by Conte Pepoli around the Castle of Venus. The gardens are of English design and style.

While enjoying our incredible lunch at the various stations around the castle, we are welcomed with stunning panoramic views of the Gulf of Trapani, salt pans of Trapani, Egadi Archipelago and the coast of Marsala. Apparently, on a clear day, it is possible to see Capo Bon, North East Tunisia.

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@assovinisicilia @just_sicily @wineinsicily

Tasting Notes: Pellegrino Cavallina Grillo/Pinot Grigio 2020 and Centopassi “Giato” Nero d’Avola – Perricone – 2020

These are wines for contemplating – after tasting these two wines from Sicily they helped me focus on my New Year’s goals…..

Pellegrino Cavallina Grillo/Pinot Grigio 2020
This medium body wine has a surprisingly, pleasingly smooth texture, is a blend of Pinot Grigio and Grillo, is well-balanced, there are notes of green apples, pears, melons, and hints of light floral, a little vegetal on the palate with a soft finish.

90 points

Centopassi “Giato” Nero d’Avola – Perricone – 2020

This delicious “unoaked” Sicilian red is made from the native grapes of Nero d’Avola and Perricone, it’s fresh and lively on the palate with red berry fruits wrapped up in luscious acidity.

91 points

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