Barone di Villagrande Contrada Villagrande Etna Bianco Superiore 2019

Region and Vineyards

The Contrada Villagrande is a historic vineyard located in Milo, on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna. Milo is the only zone permitted to bear the “Etna Bianco Superiore” designation, a classification that reflects both climatic advantage and soil excellence. The vineyard lies at an altitude of 700 metres, where cooling sea breezes and volcanic soils shape a wine of remarkable tension and salinity.

Soils are composed of volcanic ash and basaltic rock, contributing to the wine’s distinctive mineral signature. With vine ages reaching up to 75 years, yields are naturally low, enhancing concentration and depth. Barone di Villagrande cultivates 18 hectares organically, a testimony to their commitment to sustainability and the integrity of Etna’s ecosystem.

Winemaking

This Etna Bianco Superiore is composed of 90% Carricante and 10% native white varieties, carefully selected from the Villagrande contrada. Unlike the estate’s standard Etna Bianco, this single-vineyard cuvée undergoes a more elaborate maturation process.

Fermentation is carried out over 10 days in 500L neutral French oak and Sicilian acacia barrels, preserving varietal clarity while imparting a subtle aromatic framework. The wine then spends an additional year aging in the same barrels, followed by a full year in bottle prior to release.

No skin maceration is applied, ensuring finesse and tension. The fermentation is driven by indigenous yeasts, with no filtration or fining. Stabilization occurs naturally at cold temperatures. The entire process is certified organic, underscoring the estate’s respect for tradition and environment.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale gold with luminous reflections, suggesting depth and evolution.
• Aroma: Complex layers of lemon zest, chamomile, acacia honey, and crushed rock, enriched by hints of hazelnut and dried herbs from subtle oxidative tones.
• Palate: Textural and persistent, with a firm acidic spine and broad mouthfeel. Flavours of grapefruit pith, dried citrus peel, saline minerals, and toasted almond unfold over a long, elegant finish.

Did you know?

The use of Sicilian acacia barrels in fermentation and aging is a rare practice in the region and reflects a desire to express local wood alongside local grapes. This gentle approach respects the purity of Carricante while allowing micro-oxygenation for structure and ageability. The wine is only bottled in exceptional vintages, with a mere 4,000 bottles produced per year.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Salt-baked sea bass with lemon and herbs – the wine’s acidity and salinity match the dish’s purity and subtlety.
• Fennel and orange salad with anchovy vinaigrette – a perfect echo of the wine’s citrus and umami undertones.
• Risotto al limone – the creaminess of the risotto harmonizes with the wine’s structure and brightness.
• Soft goat cheese with honey and thyme – highlights the wine’s acacia notes and savory finish.

History of Barone di Villagrande

The origins of Barone di Villagrande trace back to 1727, when the Nicolosi family was granted land on Mount Etna by royal decree. Their mission: to transform the volcanic slopes from a “horrid and uncultivated place” into a flourishing vineyard. Over the centuries, they not only fulfilled this ambition but became pioneers of winemaking on Etna.

The family played a key role in defining the Etna DOC regulations in 1968, and their deep connection to the land remains intact. Today, Marco Nicolosi Asmundo, the 10th generation winemaker, leads the estate with a blend of historical respect and modern enological insight. A trained oenologist, Marco has upheld the traditional values of the family while introducing sustainable viticultural practices and a terroir-focused approach to winemaking.

Region and Vineyards

Located in Milo, on the eastern slope of Mount Etna, Barone di Villagrande occupies a unique position within the only commune authorized to produce Etna Bianco Superiore DOC wines. The estate spans 18 hectares of organically farmed vineyards at an altitude of 700 metres, where ancient vines of Carricante, Nerello Mascalese, and Nerello Cappuccio thrive in volcanic basalt soils.

The location benefits from a cooler, wetter climate compared to other Etna zones, along with strong sea breezes from the nearby Ionian Sea, which promotes acidity retention and slow ripening. The dramatic terrain, coupled with the estate's meticulous viticulture, allows for wines that reflect both mineral tension and aromatic clarity.

Wine Range of Barone di Villagrande

Barone di Villagrande focuses on both white and red wines from indigenous Etna varieties. The flagship white wines include the Etna Bianco Superiore and its single-vineyard Contrada Villagrande cuvée, both based predominantly on Carricante. These wines are known for their saline minerality, high acidity, and age-worthiness.

The estate also produces Etna Rosso from Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio, often matured in traditional chestnut barrels, a nod to Etna’s historical practices. In addition, Barone di Villagrande offers sparkling wines and passito styles, rounding out a portfolio that remains faithful to the volcano’s diverse potential.

Did you know?

Barone di Villagrande is one of the only Etna producers still using Sicilian chestnut barrels for aging—an ancient tradition rarely seen today. Their cellar is also notable for its architecture, built into the volcanic rock itself, allowing natural temperature and humidity control year-round.