Graci

Alberto Aiello Graci has been making wine on Sicily's Mount Etna since 2004. The estate's vineyards are undoubtedly some of the most representative of Etna, extending across the Contradas of Arcuria, Feudo di Mezzo, Barbabecchi, Moganazzi and Santo Spirito, whilst the winery itself is closer to the village of Passopisciaro.

The Graci vines are 50 year old free-standing 'alberello' vines at 1000 metres above sea level that produce naturally low yields amid the black grainy, volcanic soils. Alberto prefers to tend his vines as naturally as possible and Fermentation takes place in a combination of large cement and Austrian Stockhinger oak casks.

The wines are both elegant and show off the Mt Etna terroir, which has in the last 15 years rocketed to a global sensation.

'Etna is a special place,' says Graci, citing 3 reasons. First, it has the sun of Sicily but a climate moderated by altitude. Second, it has volcanic soils. Third, it has old ungrafted vineyards.

"The wine must be born of the territory and at the same time reflect the character of the vintage" Alberto and Elena Graci.