Currently throughout Sicily grape growers are measuring the sugar, acid, and tannin levels of their grapes in preparation for the annual vendemmia, or grape harvest. Up to now, wine-making has been about caring for the vines, pruning the growth, and ensuring that the fruit has received enough air, sunlight, and water for an abundant and…
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The Grapes Tell Us When
The grapes are getting ready for the harvest! Almost time to make the mosto for the wine.
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,…
Our May Tour, Day 9: A Multi-sensory Experience
We’ll walk into the vines with the owner of Feudo Montoni vineyard on Day 9 of our Experience Sicily May 19-31 tour with Chef Melissa Muller. Fabio will explain to us his wine-making process, take us through the estate’s cantinas, and pair his different wine varietals with the food that we’ll be making with Chef…
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.