Barone di Villagrande
Barone di Villagrande is one of Etna’s oldest family-run wine estates, cultivating vines on Sicily’s iconic volcano since the 18th century.
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.
