The best wineries in Catania.
Etna is certainly an island in the island. The long and hot summers with significant temperature variations between day and night, the harsh winters and the millennial human experience in the cultivation of the grapes make Etna obtain absolutely unique and unrepeatable results. In this scenario, in the north–eastern slope of Etna, between 600 and 850 meters above sea level, are the vineyards of our company. The philosophy followed in the management of the company is to indulge the events to obtain always the best, also with the help of the most modern technologies in the winery.
At the slopes of Etna, where the crumbly and ancient lava almost meets snow, villages and districts have strange names; names that a bit saucy child invents when he wants a story. Chiappamacine, Montedolce, Sciaranuova, Passopisciaro. It is right here, in Passopisciaro, that our story began: an ancient history, that as the land from which it was born, savours of Greece, of myths, of fire and of modernity. The story of a man who, already adult, with family and children, fell madly in love and devoted all his free time to his new lover who, in return, offered him a precious fruit.
The lover was a vineyard of eight hectares, the fruit was a rare and fulfilling wine, the man was Don Michele Pennisi, a cardiologist. All through his life Don Michele divided attention and professionalism among his patients and his vineyard. In the early years he made wine with the grapes he produced, then limited himself to only sale. In 1994 Vito, a faithful farmer, joined him, ready to share the passion and knowledge and to transmit them, when the time would come, to future generations.
Passion for wine flowed in the veins like blood, and when Don Michele took leave from this world in April 2006, his son Vincenzo, d professional geologist, was ready to take up the baton. Vincenzo began a new adventure. He wanted to sell wine even outside the region and for this he needed a name that was not limited to those of local wines, insofar as well–known all over Sicily. No, he needed a name that would evoke the history of that vineyard and of the man who with care led it to absolute excellence. There can be no doubt: the new red, rosé and white wine would be called Don Michele.
Unfortunately, in 2012 also the existence of Vincenzo reached its term and the interest for wine passed to the other two brothers: Giuseppe, a doctor in Turin and Giuseppina, a biologist in Catania. Their love for the vine and the deep respect for the efforts of their father and brother led them to overcome every obstacle and to deal, in spite of their distance, with the family passion. Even now the vineyard, a demanding but generous lover, responds with rich fullness to those who devote her care and affection: it was decided to produce an elitist wine, which brings with it the historicity and the tradition of the Sicily of the past, not altering the dictates that once moved Vincenzo.
A minimum production, limited and, for this reason, immensely valuable for the quality of wine, is considered by the leading experts of great finesse and charm, but especially, for the two brothers, is awareness that ... the dream can go on.
The Biondi Winery was founded in the late nineteenth century and reached its maximum size in the period between the two world wars. Thanks to the management commitment of Salvatore Biondi (great–uncle of the present owner) and the wine experience of his brother Cirino, the company succeeded in producing excellent wine.
In this period, another wine producer, Lanzafame, comes into the company and creates the BIONDI & LANZAFAME brand. During the first decades of the twentieth century, the company, with this new designation, participated in several exhibitions and fairs and the wines presented won several awards and medals: Casalmonferato 1913, Paris 1914, Lyon 1914, Cuneo 1914, Milan 1914, the registration in the "GRANDE LIBRO D’ORO". The BIONDI & LANZAFAME wine was exported to Europe and USA.
After the end of World War II, for the company begins a period of decline, due to the failure to adapt to modern technology to the new market arisen after the war.
In the heart of the Etna DOC, at an altitude of 650 meters above sea level, the vineyards of the Scilio estate of Valle Galfina are grown using methods passed down from generation to generation.
The favorable peculiarities of the volcanic soil, the microclimate, the choice of strictly autochthonous cultivars (Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Carricante) and the very low yield per hectare, allow to obtain grapes of the highest quality.
The decisive factor was the choice to grow organically, which ensures fruits of greater aromatic intensity in the full respect of environment and health.
Carefully selected, the grapes are harvested by hand only when they reach full maturity and are vinified separately for each vineyard.
The wines thus obtained are subjected to a delicate stage of aging, according to the most up to date techniques in the wine cellar, to achieve the best degree of harmony and balance of the vines that constitute them.
At the end of the nineteenth century Giuseppe Benanti, grandfather of the current Giuseppe, started to produce wines in an old farm of his father on the slopes of Etna, in Viagrande (Catania).
In 1988, Giuseppe Benanti revived the ancient family passion, starting an extensive selection of the lands around Etna, highly devoted to viticulture and looking for particular clones of indigenous grape varieties and new oenological techniques to reproduce ancient fragrances with the help of the most modern winemaking techniques, like in a perfect blend of history and reality. A study that lasted five years, and led to the production of wines with a unique taste, able to recreate the ancient flavors and keeping them intact over time.
Wines with a strong personality, who carry the culture and passion for wine of the Benanti family, always driven by a respect for the lands, the "terroir" and the old millstones that, after revealing the wonders of the Etna area, has guided them before to Pantelleria and then to Pachino.
Today, the company, run also by the sons of Giuseppe Benanti, Antonio and Salvino, is located in a segment of the market for products of high quality and the request of his wines is in strong ascent. This result is mainly due to the quality of the wines, recognized both in Italy and abroad, as evidenced by the many awards and accolades that continue to arrive every year in the most important national and international competitions.
Tenuta delle Terre Nere is located on the northern slope of Volcano Etna. The wines are produced from vineyards that are located in three cru: Guardiola, Calderara and Feudo di Mezzo. The extremely particular soil and climate, together with the high altitude, make these wines similar to those of Burgundy or Barolo. Since the year 2004, the company is self–sufficient and grapes are vinified in the new wineries. The company has been in the process of conversion to organic farming since 2007. It was officially certified on the year 2010.
Giuseppe Russo, graduated in piano and in Arts, has been running the family business since 2004 and bottling Etna Rosso in three versions starting from the 2005 vintage. The 15 hectares of vineyards are divided into three districts, S. Lorenzo (8 hectares to 750–780 m above sea level), Feudo (6 hectares to 650–670 m above sea level) and Feudo di Mezzo (1 hectare to 700 m above sea level). In addition, Giuseppe manages 1 hectare of Calderara Sottana. Giuseppe follows the same method for the production of wine that followed for the study of the piano: attention to detail, but having at the same time in mind the final result. The company is certified for organic viticulture.
Pietradolce was founded in 2005, and finds its place in Solicchiata, part of the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia, on the North–east slope of Mount Etna. The vineyard covers 10 hectares, between 600 and 800 meters of altitude, and is divided into three plots of land, each falling in a different district: Marchesa, Moganazzi, and Chiusa Spagnolo.
We chose to grow only native vines of Etna, trained largely with the traditional “ad alberello” (bush–vine) method. The choice derived from a deep conviction that this is what the territory that hosts us requires. Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Carricante are and will be the main protagonists of our story.
Our wine is fruit of our land even before than that of our hands. For this reason, it clearly represents the soul of the volcano on whose slopes it comes to life. Our work is aimed to preserve intact this soul in all its liveliness.
Etna flows in the sap of the vineyards of Cottanera that, with its border viticulture, is one of the most interesting realities of the Italian and international wine scene. Those of Cottanera are vineyards that are located on lava rock, 700 meters above sea level, along the northern slopes of the volcano, and that screw with the atmosphere of Etna becoming the mirror of a unique, precious, charming and full of charm territory. The name, chosen by the company, is linked to an ancient village which limits the family vineyards along the bank of the river Alcantara.
Cottanera is a gem of 100 hectares, all grouped together, 65 of which are vineyards.
The vineyards and winery are located in Castiglione di Sicilia (CT), where, therefore, all stages of the supply chain from harvesting to bottling take place.
"To look to the future we can not ignore the education we received. Land, as my father taught me, is an invaluable asset, because it is the principle of all things, and of what we are". This is the philosophy that Guglielmo repeated and that wanted to hand down to his children.
Guglielmo was the first to bet on the value of those black lands. We are in the nineties when Guglielmo, along with his brother Enzo, decided to convert what was a hazelnut grove into a large vineyard, the first plants related to international varieties, and then, over the years, native grapes were added, the historic vines of Etna: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Carricante.
Today, after the death of Guglielmo, Cottanera is led by the brother Enzo and by the sons of its founder: Mariangela, Francesco and Emanuele.
We cultivate only Etna grape varieties, in total respect of the territory and of the peculiarities of each vintage.
We limit our interventions to a minimum. The land commands, not us. We believe that only pandering and respecting the natural expression of our territory, we can have great wines. Great because honest.
In 2002, the Vivera family achieved its dream: buying a beautiful estate on Etna, in the Martinella district, on the north–east of the volcano, with the idea of building a winery, surrounded by vineyards, where its grapes become wines of excellence, unique wines.
The company is run by the Vivera family and by men and women with a pure passion for vines and wine.
It all starts in the vineyard, exclusively owned and cultivated organically. The company owns three properties in three Sicilian areas particularly suited: the estate on Etna, the estate in Corleone and the estate in Chiaramonte Gulfi.
In the winery, the characteristics and the typicality of each vineyard are enhanced by tradition, by the rigor and the creativity to create authentic wines and typical of the place.
The company is situated on the slopes of Etna 300 m above sea level, in an area known for high–quality productions with Typical Geographical Indication. There, wines have been produced since 1825, once used as products to be cut with the wines of northern Italy and France and in bulk quantities. Only for a few years, following the introduction in the company of suitable wine–making machines, wine has been bottled with two designations: Rosso Cosentini and Nero d’Avola. The first is obtained with native grapes of Nerello Mascalese and Nero d’Avola 20%, the second only with Nero d’Avola grapes produced exclusively in the company since 1998.
Azienda Agricola Contino was founded by the experience and expertise of the Contino family, who for years, in the name of respect for the biological pace of the land, produces DOC wines that are estimated throughout Italy. The company’s vineyard stretches on the south–east side of Etna, on the slopes of Monte Gorna; thanks to the soil composition, characterized by volcanic sands, Etna Rosso DOC is obtained, a particularly fine wine that retains all the flavour of the land it comes from.
The use of modern technologies and the continuous search for modernity, combined with the respect of a healthy craftsmanship, are the guiding principles of the Contino family, who over the years has managed to become well–renowed for its wines, getting favorable feedback both by experts and by amateurs.
The company is located in the municipalities of Biancavilla, Santa Maria di Licodia, and Valverde (Etna south territory) and extends for a total of 18 hectares, of which 6 are vineyards and 12 are olive groves with cultivars of Nocellare Etnea, Nocellare Messinese Biancolilla and Moresca, all varieties required for the DOP Etna. The company was founded at the beginning of the twentieth century, but was refounded and innovated by the will of the La Rosa brothers Giuseppe and Marioche, who were doctors, but were not able to resist the lure of the ancient traditions of their family.
The wines produced under the direction of the oenologist Giuseppe Cascio are 3 labels for a total of 10,000 bottles a year. Among the services offered by the company, in a recently restored country house, there is the opportunity to organize meetings and cultural events for a total of 60 participants, as well as to use the premise of the restaurant with traditional or revisited by our chef dishes, for a maximum of 80/100 people.
Capirossa is located on the north side of the Park of Etna, precisely in Solicchiata di Castiglione di Sicilia. A few steps from the craters and the sea, the vineyards cover 15 hectares, alloted in the districts Barbagalli, Corvo, Bonanno, Tumacsi, all about 800 meters above sea level.
Historic vines (over 50 years), and recently planted, are part of a charming and unspoiled natural environment, with the typical terraces and stone walls of lava stone, characteristic of the Etna rural architecture, where the green blends naturally with the black of the volcanic soil. Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, in addition to Grillo, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, express an excellent organoleptic potential, adapting to the extraordinary climatic conditions of our territory, celebration and maximum expression of typicality.
Search on the map the best wineries in Catania. With this simple tool you have the opportunity to discover the winery that is the nearest to you or to the area you prefer.
C.da Croce Monaci 95036
Randazzo (Catania)
Etna is certainly an island in the island. The long and hot summers with significant temperature variations between day and night, the harsh winters and the millennial human experience in the...
CONTATTA & PRENOTA
via Monsignor Birelli, 6 95036
Randazzo (Catania)
At the slopes of Etna, where the crumbly and ancient lava almost meets snow, villages and districts have strange names; names that a bit saucy child invents when he wants a story. Chiappamacine,...
CONTATTA & PRENOTA STORE
Corso M. Buonarroti, 61B 95039
Trecastagni (Catania)
The Biondi Winery was founded in the late nineteenth century and reached its maximum size in the period between the two world wars. Thanks to the management commitment of Salvatore Biondi...
CONTATTA & PRENOTA
Viale delle Province, 52 95014
Giarre (Catania)
In the heart of the Etna DOC, at an altitude of 650 meters above sea level, the vineyards of the Scilio estate of Valle Galfina are grown using methods passed down from generation to generation. ...
CONTATTA & PRENOTA
Via Garibaldi, 361 95029
Viagrande (Catania)
At the end of the nineteenth century Giuseppe Benanti, grandfather of the current Giuseppe, started to produce wines in an old farm of his father on the slopes of Etna, in Viagrande (Catania). In...
CONTATTA & PRENOTA
Contrada Calderara s.n 95036
Randazzo (Catania)
Tenuta delle Terre Nere is located on the northern slope of Volcano Etna. The wines are produced from vineyards that are located in three cru: Guardiola, Calderara and Feudo di Mezzo. The...
CONTATTA & PRENOTA
Via Regina Margherita, 78 95012
Castiglione di Sicilia (Catania)
Giuseppe Russo, graduated in piano and in Arts, has been running the family business since 2004 and bottling Etna Rosso in three versions starting from the 2005 vintage. The 15 hectares of...
CONTATTA & PRENOTA
C.da Moganazzi 95012
Castiglione di Sicilia (Catania)
Pietradolce was founded in 2005, and finds its place in Solicchiata, part of the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia, on the North–east slope of Mount Etna. The vineyard covers 10 hectares,...
CONTATTA & PRENOTA
Strada Provinciale, 89 95030
Castiglione di Sicilia (Catania)
Etna flows in the sap of the vineyards of Cottanera that, with its border viticulture, is one of the most interesting realities of the Italian and international wine scene. Those of Cottanera are...
CONTATTA & PRENOTA
Contrada Arcuria, Passopisciaro 95012
Castiglione di Sicilia (Catania)
We cultivate only Etna grape varieties, in total respect of the territory and of the peculiarities of each vintage.We limit our interventions to a minimum. The land commands, not us. We believe...
CONTATTA & PRENOTA
C.da Martinella 95015
Linguaglossa (Catania)
In 2002, the Vivera family achieved its dream: buying a beautiful estate on Etna, in the Martinella district, on the north–east of the volcano, with the idea of building a winery, surrounded...
CONTATTA & PRENOTA
Via Etnea, 9 95020
Santa Venerina (Catania)
The company is situated on the slopes of Etna 300 m above sea level, in an area known for high–quality productions with Typical Geographical Indication. There, wines have been produced since...
CONTATTA & PRENOTA
Corso Italia, 104 95039
Trecastagni (Catania)
Azienda Agricola Contino was founded by the experience and expertise of the Contino family, who for years, in the name of respect for the biological pace of the land, produces DOC wines that are...
CONTATTA & PRENOTA
Via Trieste, 17 95100
Catania (Catania)
The company is located in the municipalities of Biancavilla, Santa Maria di Licodia, and Valverde (Etna south territory) and extends for a total of 18 hectares, of which 6 are vineyards and 12 are...
CONTATTA & PRENOTA
via Magenta, 27 95030
Castiglione di Sicilia (Catania)
Capirossa is located on the north side of the Park of Etna, precisely in Solicchiata di Castiglione di Sicilia. A few steps from the craters and the sea, the vineyards cover 15 hectares, alloted...
CONTATTA & PRENOTA