The Feast of Saint Martin is approaching. Saint Martin is the patron saint of vintners, soldiers, the poor, wool-weavers, geese, and the country France. For vintners, November 11 marks the first tasting of the new wine, known as “novello.” Wine making is a long process that starts with the pruning and caring for the vines…
Tag: grape vines
The Sky Is The Limit
Mountains and grape vines, San Biagio Platini
Wine Making: Old and New
The old-fashioned way (using foot stomping and a wicker wheel), on the left, and the modern way (stainless steel equipment), on the right, to macerate wine grapes.
Grape Spotting
Depending on the region of the island (Sicily has many microclimates.), the grape harvest has started. These Nerello Mascalese grapes, indigenous to Etna, are not yet ready, but the wine maker is measuring the grapes’ vitals every day to strike when the moment is right.
The Grapes of Sicilian Wine
The terraces and stone walls of Randazzo on Mount Etna’s north face make for a special environment to grow grapes from ancient vines. Grape varieties such as Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccino grow about a half a mile above sea level, where the salty sea winds meet fresh, crisp mountain air that converges with volcanic,…
In Sicily, Yellow and Blue Makes Wine
In the western provinces of Sicily, the Grillo grape varietal soaks up the sun to make Marsala wine.