Since 2005, Pietradolce has embodied the desire of the Family Faro to give value to the Etnean territory by producing high-quality wines from pre-phylloxera vineyards in the historical bush-vine training system, also called “Alberello", a symbol of the Etna landscape, and using Indigenous varieties, Nerello, Mascalese and Carricante.

With a long agricultural and viticultural tradition, the Family Faro, purchased and restored a small, nearly abandoned pre-phylloxera vineyards in the Solicchiata area, on the Nord slope of Etna, a few kilometres from Castiglione di Sicilia. At the same time, they also planted the first young vineyards. Good farming practices and full respect for Etnean tradition is the foundational values of the business.

Pietradolce owns 33 hectares of vineyards on the northern side of Etna, between 650 and 900 meters above sea level, across from the Contrada Rampante, Zottorinoto, Santo Spirito, and Feudo di Mezzo. Additionally, the estate includes 2 hectares in Milo, on the eastern side, in Contrada Caselle, which is a great area for Carricante. The volcano’s unique nature creates different terroirs, allowing each individual plot to express its distinct characteristics. This diversity is primarily attributed to the soil, which range from sandy to those rich in volcanic rock, as well as the diverse microclimates and the various clones of Nerello, Mascalese and Carricante present in the old vineyards.

Each vineyard has a significant ecosystem, characterized by wide biodiversity. Alongside the vines, in keeping with tradition, there are olive trees and individual plants of apple, pear, almond, and chestnut trees, as well as brooms, brambles and Mediterranean scrub. 

The winery is perfectly integrated with the surrounding landscape, and follows the dictates of sustainability, thanks to the underground barrel room benefits from the natural coolness, which is also maintained in the vat room, due to the thick lava stone walls and the partial rainwater recovery system. The vinification process takes place in the vat room on the ground floor, utilizing steel vats and tulip-shaped raw concrete tanks, for the vinification of the Cru wines from pre-phylloxera vineyards. For the ageing of the reds, 700 lt French oak barrels are used until fourth passage. A wise and minimally invasive use of wood, which must only be a tool to accompany the evolution of the wine.

Finally, the winery also features permanent art installations, unique pieces cherished by the Family Faro as symbols of beauty and connection to the territory. Each installation highlights the work of international artists and local artisans, who represented the territory through their distinctive styles.

https://www.pietradolce.com/en/

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