Barone di Villagrande, where Etna bianco is Superior
We are in the district of Milo, eastern slope of the Muntagna – as Sicilians use to call familiarly Mount Etna – at about 700 meters of altitude. Here is located the Barone di Villagrande estate: 18 hectares of vineyards, gently sloping down to form a natural amphitheatre overlooking Taormina and the east cost of the island.
For the Nicolosi family winemaking is a long-standing tradition
The establishment of the company dates back to the 18th Century. Today, in its tenth generation, the winery is run by Marco Nicolosi Asmundo and his wife Barbara Liuzzo, who took over the company four years ago, giving a new lease of life to production of local Etna wines, all characterised by a refined elegance. “Our mission is to create wines that can best express the territory, as well as its varietals and vintages,” explains Barbara Liuzzo. “In particular, we focus on the specific character of our district. Milo is, indeed, the only district that can boast the specification of “Superiore” for its Etna Bianco, a Carricante-based white wine. Our vines – the oldest are 80-100 years old, the youngest 20 years minimum – produce wines of unmistakable flavour and salinity. In the mouth there is an explosion of taste. It is exactly what can you define a crispy or crunchy wines.”
On the slopes of Etna
In winter temperatures drop below zero and rainfall can be up to ten times higher than the rest of the island, while in spring and summer the temperature ranges may reach 30 degrees. “The soil is loose and deep, rich in iron and copper. Beside the vines, there are oak and chestnut groves, which help to create a microclimate particularly suitable for the growth of the vine.” Barone di Villagrande produces 80,000 bottles every year, including Etna Rosso, Bianco Superiore and Rosato DOC, which are made from grape varieties such as Carricante, Nerello Mascalese and Cappuccio, from the Etna area. The range is completed by the two wines IGT Terre Siciliane Fiore di Villagrande (blend of Caricante and a strong Chardonnay) and Sciara (blend of Norello Mascalese and Merlot) and the Malvasia delle Lipari DOC, all produced in the Salina Island vineyard. “Our flagship wine is definitely Etna Superiore Bianco DOC, which seduces for its amazing freshness. A selected plot of vineyard, 40-50 years old, gives birth to our Legno di Conzo, a Carricante in purity, with a special aromatic complexity and a considerable aging potential. It perfectly embodies our secular tradition together with our desire to innovate and experiment,” ends Barbara Liuzzo.
REFINED FRESHNESS
Grapes Carricante 100%
Composition of the soil loose soil, rich in iron and copper Vinification and aging cryomaceration and fermentation at controlled temperature. Bottling at 6-7 month from the harvest
Total Acidity 7 g/l pH 3.2
Dry Extract 20.9 g/l
Alcohol content 12.5% vol.
Bottles 30,000
BARONE DI VILLAGRANDE
via del Bosco 25 95010 Milo (Catania)
+39 (095) 7082175
Facebook: Barone di Villagrande
Twitter: @AzVillagrande
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