An overview of the territory that makes Palmento Costanzo wines unique and special.
A source of inspiration, an invocation for protection, the volcano Etna, or rather “a Muntagna”, as its inhabitants call it, outlines the profile of Sicily’s east coast. Europe’s highest active volcano, one of the most active in the world, boasts 2,700 years of eruptive activity and since 2013, has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. And it is here that the Palmento Costanzo winery is located.
The centuries-old vineyard that Palmento Costanzo cultivates organically stretches out around the ancient 19th-century palmento, which was used by local winegrowers until the early 20th century. The approximately fourteen hectares of vineyards in the characteristic terraced layout are located between 600 and 800 metres above sea level, in the DOC Etna area. Most of Palmento Costanzo’s vineyards are located in contrada Santo Spirito, in the hamlet of Passopisciaro, on the northern side of Etna. Over the years, Palmento Costanzo has acquired some vineyards in other districts on the north and also on the south side. All the vineyards are cultivated organically.
The varieties cultivated are indigenous vines that have made Etna famous throughout the world: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio for red wines, Carricante and Catarratto for white wines, a vineyard blend that distinguishes DOC Etna. The volcano is a treasure trove of biodiversity: differences in microclimate and soil composition characterise the different districts.
The soil and climatic conditions, volcanic debris and significant daily temperature ranges make the land fertile and suitable for growing vines. Rainfall up to ten times higher than the island average and the snow accumulated in winter on Etna’s summit nourishes the vines in a unique way.