Pietradolce Winery Mount Etna
A Journey to Pietradolce Winery: A Garden of Paradise on Mount Etna
On my first official winery visit to Mount Etna in Sicily I had the pleasure of visiting Pietradolce Winery. It lies on the northern slopes of Mount Etna between the Contrade Rampante, Zottorinoto, Santo Spirito and Feudo di Mezzo.
The exact geographical location is absolutely key in Mount Etna. These subdivisions of geographical locations are like the concept of “cru” in Burgundy. Each contrade has its own unique terroir that encompasses such factors as weather (including wind, rain, sun), elevation, and proximity to water.
From the moment I arrived at Pietradolce, I was captivated by the sleek, modern design of the winery, which perfectly blended into the side of the majestic volcano. Before diving into a tasting of their exquisite wines, we embarked on a breathtaking tour of the ancient vineyards led by the vineyard manager, Angelo.
These unique vineyards represented a scene straight out of a paradise—lush with flowers and framed by ancient stone walls, the vineyards were like stepping into a living history book.
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It was somewhat emotional to realize these vineyards have survived for over a century. Angelo explained that these pre-phylloxera (over 90 – 150 years of age) owe their longevity to the sandy soil. It seems the vine-killing phylloxera pests prefer clay soils and leaves sandy soil untouched. The amphitheater-shaped design of the vineyard, along with strategically placed oak trees, also acts as a natural shield, protecting the vines from potential lava flows when Mount Etna erupts.
The Pietradolce property encompassed the best of a “slick” winery in terms of its ultra-modern, expensive-looking building and pricey commissioned artwork in the winery.
The tasting room overlooks the vineyards and the gorgeous blue skyline.
Native Varieties and Organic Practices
Pietradolce prides itself on cultivating only native Sicilian grape varieties, which include Carricante (used in their white wines) and Nerello Mascalese (used in their red wines).
Pietradolce focuses on artisanal, sustainable farming methods that prioritize quality over quantity. The Faro family are committed to organic practices, which preserve the integrity of the land and also allow the true expression of the terroir to shine through in each bottle of wine.
Tasting the Wines of Pietradolce
After seeing the impeccable vineyards, I was very excited to try the wines.
- Pietradolce Etna Rosso: Made from 100% Nerello Mascalese, this wine is a true reflection of its terroir, offering notes of wild red berries, violets, and earthy minerality. The high altitude of the vineyards and the volcanic soil give the wine its distinctive freshness, elegance, and aging potential.
- Pietradolce Archineri Etna Bianco: This white wine, made from Carricante grapes, is grown in high-altitude vineyards on the eastern slopes of Etna. The wine has a bright acidity and mineral-driven profile, with notes of citrus, green apple, and a subtle flintiness that mirrors the volcanic soil in which the grapes are grown.
- Pietradolce Archineri 2020 – delicious cru made from Nerello Mascalese with vibrant acidity, floral aromas, and a long finish that can give cru Burgundy a run for its money. I adored the 2020 Feudo di Mezzo Etna Rosso DOC, the 2020 Rampante Etna Rosso DOC, the 2020 Santo Spirito Etna Rosso DOC which hail from different terroirs yet express the power and finesse of the ancient Nerello Mascalese vines. The red wines are characterized by a long finish and ability to improve with age.
Conclusion
Pietradolce is a winery that combines ancient traditions with a deep respect for the land, crafting wines that are as unique and powerful as the volcano on which they are grown. For any wine lover, a visit to Pietradolce offers not just a tasting of exquisite wines but also an immersion into the rich history and terroir of Mount Etna.
Whether you’re sampling a glass of their robust Etna Rosso or their crisp Etna Bianco, you’ll taste the passion and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle.
