Hauner Winery

Location: Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy.

The Hauner winery was founded by Carlo Hauner Sr. in 1968 on the island of Salina, which is part of the Aeolian Islands. Today the winery is owned and run by his son, Carlo Hauner Jr. The winery currently has 49 acres of land under vine.

POINTS OF DIFFERENTIATION

• Family-run by the very passionate Hauner family, absolute experts on Malvasia and the territory
• The unique terroir of the verdant island of Salina, a Mediterranean winemaking oasis, makes for singular terroir-driven wines
• Grown in mineral-rich volcanic soil, which lends one-of-a-kind flavor and aroma
• The ancient tradition of drying on mats under the sun is preserved yet honed by modern knowledge

THE HISTORY

Brescia-born artist Carlo Hauner, Sr. began traveling the world in the late 1940s. He lived in Brazil for a few years, but he eventually returned to Italy and spent his holiday in the Aeolian Islands. He fell head over heels in love with the untouched scenery and was captivated by the ancient practice of drying Malvasia grapes on outdoor racks during the day until sunset.

Hauner eventually purchased 49 acres of land and replanted the terraced vineyards, right up against the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. He buried himself in research on Malvasia delle Lipari, reading ancient and modern texts, working with local experts, and experimenting on his own. He eventually became a foremost expert himself, bringing a fresh perspective, creativity, and intuition to the art of vinifying Malvasia.

In February 1996, Carlo Hauner, Sr. passed away and his son, Carlo Hauner, Jr., took over the winery. His son Andrea Hauner works alongside him.

THE TERROIR

The Aeolian Islands are located off the northern coast of Sicily. There are seven islands (Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi and Panarea) and five smaller islets. They are “all of volcanic origin. Salina, like the other islands in the archipelago, emerged from the seas during the Quaternary period.” There are “twin” extinct volcanos on the island, but it is mostly lush and green, blanketed in terraced vineyards and Mediterranean flora. As a result of the numerous eruptions that have happened here not to mention fresh water springs, the soil is incredibly fertile and produces wines with vibrant aromas and strong notes of minerality.