Pietradolce Winery
[piay-trah-DOL-shay]
Location: Solicchiata, Castiglione di Sicilia, Province of Catania, Sicily, Italy.
Pietradolce was established in 2005 on the Northern slopes of Mount Etna. The vineyards are composed of stony, light, sandy loam, with abundant mineral elements. The soil is the result of the numerous eruptions by Mount Etna throughout the centuries, which gives the wines special characteristics and makes them completely unique.
Points of Differentiation
- A benchmark estate in Etna wine
- 100% estate-owned and estate-bottled
- 100% native varietals
- A hot, dry climate produces grapes with excellent aromatics
- Traditional bush-trained vines reduce the need for irrigation
- The volcanic soil produces vibrant minerality
The History
Pietradolce was established in 2005 by Michele Faro and was founded in Solicchiata, an area within the district of the town of Castiglione di Sicilia, on the Northern slopes of Etna.
There are a little over 27 acres of vineyards that grow at a height of between 2,000 and 3,000 feet above sea level and are divided into three sections, two of which fall within the territory of Rampante and the other which falls in the territory of Zottorinoto.
The Pietradolce philosophy, in the words of Michele Faro, owner of Pietradolce, “At the heart of our philosophy is a love for our land which is equaled by the respect with which we treat it. We look to the rich local traditions for all that is best in them and then combine these with a wise use of modern viticultural techniques to give life to our passion: the wines of Etna.”
Pietradolce’s passion for the wines of Etna extends to the grapes they grow. The winery deliberately chooses to only grow grapes that are native to Mount Etna. The key varietals grown are Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, and Carricante.
In addition, Pietradolce’s team trains the vines to grow as traditional bushes. This training method is developed locally to grow vines close to the ground, helping to prevent evaporation during the hot summer months.
The Terroir
The vineyards are composed of stony, light, sandy loam, with abundant mineral elements. The soil is the result of the numerous eruptions by Mount Etna throughout the centuries, which gives the wines special characteristics and makes them completely unique. Mount Etna enjoys a unique micro-climate that is cooler than other areas in Sicily.
The temperatures in winter can be close to the freezing point and in the summer, the heat is never excessive. There can also be a large swing between daytime and nighttime temperatures, sometimes up to 20°F. This difference in temperature means extraordinary fragrance and finesse in the wines.
- Winery Fast Facts
- Vineyard surface: 27.2 acres (11 hectares)
- Owners: Michele & Mario Faro
- Winemaker: Carlo Ferrini
- Established: 2005
- Location: Solicchiata, Castiglione di Sicilia
- Province: Catania
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Pietradolce Wines
Because of the volcanic soil, its mineral component and the unique climate conditions, this Etna white has the pronounced minerality and unabashed acidity typical to wines of this territory.
This 100% Carricante varietal is an intense expression of its terroir. Lovely acidity and great minerality are characteristics of terrain (Milo), which is undoubtedly the best for Etna whites.
Vigna Sant’Andrea is made from grapes grown in a selected parcel of the Archineri Etna Bianco vineyard. To make this unique wine, Pietradolce not only carefully chose the parcel of land, but each individual plant as well.
Etna Rosato shows distinctive minerality and complexity combined with an intense, ample bouquet of rich aromas. These characteristics make this a very supple and versatile wine.
From young vineyards, characterized by lively freshness and approachability. This wine is ideal as an entry-level Nerello Mascalese, step one to the enjoyment and appreciation of Etna terrain.
From old, amply terraced vineyards which express intrinsic character and goût de terroir (acidity & minerality) and is very cellar-worthy thanks to the outstanding structure.
From old, amply terraced vineyards which express intrinsic character and goût de terroir (acidity & minerality) and is very cellar-worthy thanks to the outstanding structure.
From old, amply terraced vineyards that express the intrinsic character and goût de terroir (acidity & minerality) with great clarity. A very cellar-worthy wine thanks to the outstanding structure.
Pietradolce’s main goal is to highlight the significant differences between the various Etna contradas, showing the absence of homogenization. In fact, each micro-territory on Etna expresses its own particular nuances, which can depend on different lava flows, exposure and pedoclimatic variations.
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