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.