Era (Volpi)

Era (Volpi)

TORTONA | ALESSANDRIA
ABRUZZO & SICILIA

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Founded: 1914
Owner: Carlo Volpi
Winemaker: Matteo Ivaldi
Hectares under vines: 115ha
Altitude above sea level: various
Average annual production: 50,000 bottles
Green code: Organic

Over four generations, Volpi have been protagonists in a continuous evolution which led them to become a reference point in the oenological sector in Piedmont, an authentic expression of the territory of the surrounding Tortonese hills.

The winery is continually oriented towards innovation: between the 70's and 90's, thanks to the Cortese and Colli Tortonesi wines they affirmed their leading position in Italy with the launch of their Cortese Pét-Nat (pétillant naturel), a precursor of the planetary successes of Prosecco and Franciacorta. At the same time, the first barriques were introduced into the cellar and the production and marketing of Novello wine began. In the 1990s it was one of the first wineries to embrace the choice of organic farming in a meaningful way, which today represents 70% of their total production.

Cantine Volpi offer two ranges. One line includes the typical wines obtained from native grapes of the Tortona Hills. The other line is their organic one called Era, from the Greek name of Diana, Goddess of Nature.

Enza La Fauci

Enza La Fauci

MESSINA | SICILIA

Founded: 2004
Owner: Enza La Fauci
Winemaker: Dr. Emiliano Falsini
Hectares under vines: 3ha
Altitude above sea level: 330m
Average annual production: 18,000 bottles
Green code: organic, not certified

WHAT THEY SAY

Enza comes from a family of distillers but her heart has always been amongst the vineyards, and so in 2003 she embarked on her own project. Her small vineyard is planted on family land, situated at the mouth of the Messina Strait. The soil is limestone/clay with a strong presence of golden mica- a typical stone of Messina which contributes significantly to the sensory notes in her wines.

The 300m vineyards are kept fresh by the Tramontane and Sirocco winds and surprisingly abundant rainfall for Sicily. And the vines are worked by hand, with total respect for nature and free of chemical herbicides, she jokes that her wines are more organically organic than ‘organic’.

WHAT WE SAY

Enza’s determined nature and her exuberant passion for wine making combine in the glorious land that is Sicily to create enchanting, refined and unique wines. She uses only local varieties (Zibibbo, Gracanico, Nocera and the Nerelli). The vineyards are situated in the legendary Capo Peloro near the strait of Messina. This vicinity is renowned for a particular maritime microclimate, generating some intriguing, luscious but delicate wines with great personality.

WINES AVAILABLE

WHITES:

  • Incanto IGT

  • Case Bianche IGT

REDS:

  • Vignadorata IGT

  • Terra Di Vento Faro DOC

SWEET:

  • Duci IGT Passito Bianco

Tenuta di Fessina

Tenuta di Fessina

ROVITTELLO | CATANIA
SICILIA

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Founded: 2007
Owner: Silvia Maestrelli
Winemaker: Giandomenico Negro
Hectares under vines: 7ha
Altitude above sea level: 700m to 950m
Average annual production: 80,000 bottles
Green code: Low intervention - practicing not certified organic

WHAT THEY SAY

The aim is to enhance the true expression of our indigenous genotypes through the study of specific terroirs of Etna. A quest through the volcano in order to preserve the traditional craft viticulture and protect the real varietal taste. Everything is worked manually with a very low incidence by human hand, the vineyard has just what it needs, it’s a rural project linked to our vineyard quality. Fessina is a mirror on Etna traditional viticulture; for this reason, we cover all the Etna D.O.C. certification area, in North East with Contrada Rovittello, the core of everything and cradle of Il Musmeci Riserva made just by the oldest Nerello Mascalese grapes of the estate. South in Biancavilla, the oldest geological area of Etna for Carricante, A’Puddara grows at 900 meters for the best vertical and punchy expression of this grape. Milo on east in to the core of Etna Bianco Superiore for the best round and complex Carricante’s of Etna. With this imaginary ring around the Volcano, Fessina is able to give a portrait of unique terroirs and expressions, with the true mindset of total respect and protection of Etna heritage.

WHAT WE SAY

Silvia Maestrelli has not only shown incredible determination and persuasive skills to purchase the Estate (the 7ha were originally owned by 17 families living as far as New York) but also a great talent in choosing the winemakers for her project. First, Federico Curtaz (ex Gaja) then Giandomenico Negro (ex Benanti) have given Fessina all the necessary expertise to produce wines that are a superb expression of the volcanic terroir. The minerality fizzes through the wines. The whites are superb, concentrated and elegant. The reds, characterful and expressive.

WHAT OTHERS SAY
Etna Rosso Erse 2017 points 93 points James Suckling

Sliced strawberries with clove and floral aromas and some lava notes. Full body,firm, silky tannins and a chewy texture. Shows intensity and focus.

WINES AVAILABLE

WHITES:

  • Erse Etna Bianco DOC

  • A`Puddara Etna Bianco DOC (100% Carricante)

  • Il Musmeci Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Caselle DOC (100% Carricante)

REDS:

  • Erse Etna Rosso DOC

  • Laeneo Nerello Cappuccio IGT

  • Il Musmeci Etna Rosso Riserva DOC (Nerello Mascalese 100%)