If Mount Etna is a unique place for wine, the credit belongs not only to its uncommon climate conditions, but also to its soil. Volcanic soil, originated from the crumbling of different kinds of lava belonging to different geological eras, made of eruptive materials such as lapillus, pumice, ash and sands, which are naturally rich in minerals. Another peculiar characteristic is the permeability of this soil, which grants the health of the grapes in spite of the heavy rainfalls. Moreover, the so-called mischi terrains are of great interest: these are soils made of volcanic sands and clay, they can be found alongside the river Alcantara, which is a natural boundary between black and white lands.

Our vineyards are located on the northern slope of Mount Etna, in two different districts: Cuba and Pontale Palino. The territorial differences between the two districts are deep, this is the reason why the vinification of each lot was carried out separately: therefore, each label represents a single vineyard. In Contrada Cuba the lots planted with vines are two: about a hectare and a half is trained in the espalier system and dates back to 1970; the remaining 5000 metres are head-trained vines (vite ad alberello, the traditional training system of the Etnean vine), and date back to 1935. The grapes are the local Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. In Contrada Pontale Palino, about 700 metres above sea level, we also own about 3000 metres of pre-phylloxera bush-trained ungrafted vines, and we aim at defending their immense genetic heritage in the years to come.