Etna & wineries (16)

Messina, Catania, Taormina, Giardini Naxos, Palermo, Trapani, Milazzo, Siracusa, Ragusa, Porto Empedocle, Reggio Calabria

Vines have been cultivated on Mt Etna since the beginning of the Bronze age, as to say 4 or 5 millennium ago. The Greeks introduced new systems of cultivation and elevated wine to a deeply-rooted cultural phenomenon. Theocritus wrote about the vineyards on the slopes of Mt. Etna in the 3rd century BC. Despite the difficulties due to the volcano eruptions and the presence of fine sands in the soils that damage the vines, the wines produced today on the slopes of Mt Etna are of an excellent quality and were the first to qualify for the DOC designation in 1968. They include rosados (rosé’s), dry white and dry red wines and are made mainly from Caricante, Catarratto and Nerello Mascalese, a deep colored black grape with spicy notes mostly grown in eastern Sicily. We drive first to Santa Venerina. The historic estate of Murgo, situated in a privileged position southeast of Mount Etna, has been making wines traditional to this territory since 1850. The volcanic soil give the wines a particular mineral taste typical of Mount Etna, as well as unusual finesse, aromatic complexity, and strong personality. The Murgo sparkler is made from the native Nerello Mascalese grape in the methode champenoise (the traditional method by which Champagne is made). Visit of the cellars and wine tasting. Then, we proceed to Milo for a visit to the Barone di Villagrande Winery that has belonged to the Nicolosi family since ancient times. In 1727 a decree issued by Emperor Charles VI confered privileges and the title of Barons of Villagrande to the Nicolosi family also in recognition of their skill in the production of the famous wines. The farm lies in the heart of the d.o.c. Etna and Etna Bianco Superiore appellation zone. The volcanic soil and the typical mountain climate create a unique condition allowing the production of wines with moderate alcoholic content but rich in fixed acidity and extracts. Visit of the cellars and wine tasting. Our last stop is Azienda Agricola Gambino, a beautiful example of the high-altitude Etna vineyards, planted with native vines. The changes of temperature between night and day allow a phenol and aromatic ripening that is essential for the colour and taste of the red grapes and for the aroma of the white wines. Furthermore, the volcanic ground is rich in potassium (with a concentration that is twice as much as that of other grounds), which supplies an equilibrated sugar content of the grapes and a proper relation between acids and alcohol. This is the place to discover the pleasure of the Etna wines and the extraordinary character of the volcano, with its breathtaking views of the central crater, of the Nebrodi Park and the gulf of Taormina. During wine-tasting, typical local foodstuffs are offered.

Price included: Touring by air-conditioned deluxe motorcoach, van or limo, english-speaking driver, local guides are provided on request.