Native and international: the varieties that, in volcanic soil, become wines of true character.
Etna is renowned not only for its geography and climate, but also for the variety and quality of the native grapes that thrive in its fertile volcanic soils. Fourteen of our fifteen wines are vinified as single varietals, to fully express the elegance of these varieties.
Considered the "king" of Etna's wines, it has ancient origins in the Mascali area. A late-ripening variety (the clusters mature in late October), it produces wines of great elegance and structure, from ruby red to garnet with ageing: soft tannins, lively acidity and notes of red fruit, spice and tobacco, with a distinctive volcanic minerality.
The "companion" of Mascalese. Ripening earlier, it brings colour and softness to Etna's reds. It yields wines of good structure, with present tannins and greater colour intensity; aromas of dark fruit and spice make it perfect in a blend with Mascalese.
The native white grape of Etna, cultivated above all on the eastern slope. It gives wines of high acidity and marked minerality, with aromas ranging from floral notes to hints of white-fleshed fruit, and a remarkable capacity for ageing.
Alongside the native grapes, Al-Cantàra explores international varieties such as Pinot Nero and Cabernet Sauvignon, chosen to broaden the range without compromising quality. A small, precious vineyard of Grecanico also survives — historically used in the estate's blends — which we have chosen to keep in production.
International elegance in dialogue with the volcanic terroir.
Structure and depth to broaden the range.
A historic vineyard, kept for the estate's blends.
Volcanic vineyards of Etna
In collaboration with the Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Catania, we cultivate 4 relic grape varieties to study their characteristics and assess their use in future vinifications (the VITETNA project).
