PIETRADOLCE WINERY
[pi-ET-trah-DOL-cheh]
Location: Solicchiata, Castiglione di Sicilia, Province of Catania, Sicily, Italy.
Pietradolce was established in 2005 on the northern slopes of Mount Etna by the Faro family, whose passions are viticulture, agriculture, and all things Etna. High altitudes, mineral-rich volcanic soils, native grapes, an exceptional Mediterranean, climate, low intervention in the cellar, and very old vines are the perfect ingredients for elegant wines with a one-of-a-kind signature, style, and enormous sense of place.
POINTS OF DIFFERENTIATION
- A benchmark estate on Etna, growing only native varieties
- 100% estate-owned and estate-bottled by the Faro family
- Known as the “Burgundy of the Mediterranean,” elegance, quality, longevity, and especially the different Crus are the essence of Etna wines
- Single vineyards of old Pre-Phylloxera vines, ranging from 40-120 years old
- Versatile food pairings
- Eco-sustainable in the vineyard and the brand-new cellar with rooftop garden
THE HISTORY
Pietradolce is located in Solicchiata, an area within the district of Castiglione di Sicilia, on the northern slopes of Etna.
There are a little over 86 acres of vineyards that grow at an altitude of 600-900 meters (2,000-3,000 feet) above sea level, all located within the districts of Rampante, Zottorinoto, and Santo Spirito.
“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, combining them with an intelligent use of modern viticultural techniques to give life to our passion: the wines of Etna,” explains Michele Faro, one of the owners of the winery.
Pietradolce’s passion for the wines of Etna extends to the grapes they grow. The winery only grows native Etna grapes, such as Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, and Carricante.
THE TERROIR
The vineyards are are mostly old — 40 to 120 years old — and some are pre-Phylloxera. At the same time, the soils are mostly 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 summer, the heat is never excessive. The area also enjoys large temperature swings, sometimes up to 20 degrees. This great difference means extraordinary fragrance and finesse in the wines.
- Winery Fast Facts
- Vineyard surface: 86.5 acres (35 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 select 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.
"At the heart of our philosophy is a love for our land which is equalled by the respect with which we treat it. Pietradolce is a boutique winery that works in traditional ways, using mostly pre-Phylloxera vineyards at 900 meters (almost 3,000 feet) above sea level on the northern slopes of Mount Etna."
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 wines.
At the heart of our philosophy is a love for our land which is equalled by the respect with which we treat it. Pietradolce is a boutique winery that works in traditional ways, using mostly pre-Phylloxera vineyards at 900 meters (about 3,000 feet) above sea level on the northern slopes of Mount Etna.
At the heart of our philosophy is a love for our land which is equalled by the respect with which we treat it. Pietradolce is a boutique winery that works in traditional ways, using mostly pre-Phylloxera vineyards at 900 meters (about 3,000 feet) above sea level on the northern slopes of Mount Etna.
At the heart of our philosophy is a love for our land which is equalled by the respect with which we treat it. Pietradolce is a boutique winery that works in traditional ways, using mostly pre-Phylloxera vineyards at 900 meters (about 3,000 feet) above sea level on the northern slopes of Mount Etna.
At the heart of our philosophy is a love for our land which is equaled by the respect with which we treat it. Pietradolce is a boutique winery that works in traditional ways, using mostly pre-Phylloxera vineyards at 900 meters (about 3,000 feet) above sea level on the northern slopes of Mount Etna.
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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