Viticulture on Mount Etna: The Unique Terroir and Wines of Sicily's Volcanic Slopes

Nestled on the eastern coast of Sicily, in province of Catania, Mount Etna stands as one of the most iconic and active volcanoes in the world. Beyond its breathtaking landscapes and geological significance, Etna is also home to a thriving and distinctive viticultural tradition. The volcanic soils, high altitudes, and diverse microclimates on the slopes of Mount Etna contribute to the production of wines that reflect the unique terroir of this region.

The soils surrounding Mount Etna are rich in volcanic minerals, a result of centuries of volcanic activity. The combination of ash, lava, and other volcanic materials creates a complex and nutrient-rich environment for grapevines. These unique soils, often referred to as "terrazze," provide excellent drainage, encouraging the vines to root deeply into the earth, resulting in grapes with distinct mineral characteristics.

Etna's viticulture is marked by a wide range of microclimates and varying altitudes, factors that significantly influence the flavour profile of the wines. The vineyards are situated at elevations ranging from 600 to over 1,000 metres above sea level. This diversity in altitude creates a mosaic of temperature variations, sunlight exposure, and cooling breezes, allowing winemakers to cultivate a variety of grape varieties.

The lower altitudes contribute to the richness and ripeness of the grapes, while the higher elevations maintain acidity and freshness. This balance of flavours is a testament to the careful selection of vineyard sites and the skilled craftsmanship of Etna's winemakers.

Two grape varieties, Nerello Mascalese and Carricante, dominate Etna's vineyards. Nerello Mascalese, a red grape, thrives on the volcanic slopes, producing elegant and structured wines with red fruit flavours, minerality, and a distinctive herbal character. Carricante, a white grape, yields wines with bright acidity, citrus notes, and a unique volcanic minerality that sets them apart from other Italian whites.

Etna's viticulturists embrace a combination of traditional and modern winemaking techniques. Many vineyards maintain old, ungrafted vines, a testament to the resilience of grapevines in volcanic soils. Winemakers often utilise traditional wooden casks for ageing, allowing the wines to develop complexity and character over time. However, modern techniques, such as temperature-controlled fermentation and stainless steel ageing, are also employed to ensure the wines express the purity of Etna's terroir.

In recent years, wines from Mount Etna have gained international acclaim. The region's unique terroir, coupled with the dedication of passionate winemakers, has positioned Etna as a significant player in the global wine market. From elegant reds to vibrant whites, Etna's wines offer a sensory journey that reflects the dynamic and volcanic landscape from which they originate.

Nerello Mascalese: Splendid country residence located on the slopes of the Etna volcano, very close to the characteristic town of Randazzo. With its 5 bedrooms, it is ready to welcome you whether you are with family or friends for a holiday of peace and quiet, detached from the chaos of the city. The residence has many shaded corners in which to relax and a delightful private swimming pool in which to cool off in the hottest hours and be able to observe the wonderful panorama over the hills of Eastern Sicily.

Buena Vista: Majestic and elegant private villa in one of the most sought-after cities by world tourism: Taormina. With its 3000 square meters of garden, get ready for a holiday in the colors of eastern Sicily, enjoy the quiet inside the wonderful Jacuzzi located on the terrace of the house to give you an unprecedented view of the sea and the bay of the city since always most praised by writers, philosophers and artists such as Goethe, Nietzsche and Klimt.

Borgo degli Aranci: In the village of Fiumefreddo, at the foot of Mount Etna and in front of the Ionian Sea, this spectacular residence is born, surrounded by citrus trees whose scent of oranges will delight your holidays. The residence is divided into three wonderful houses close to each other and surrounded by 11 hectares of land whose green lawn will lead you to the splendid swimming pool overlooking the gentle slope that naturally slopes towards the sea.

Viagrande: Luxurious villa with private pool located in Viagrande, on the south-eastern side of Etna. Furnished with taste and elegance but with a modern spirit, this splendid residence will give you moments of absolute quiet on its well-equipped and covered terrace or in its swimming pool immersed in the green of the English lawn and surrounded by Mediterranean plants.