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Planeta, one of the leading Sicilian wine companies, is now taking over the management and distribution of Feudi Spitaleri, the oldest winery on the Etna. Castello Solicchiata was founded in the mid-19th century by the noble family Spitaleri di Muglia. The name derives from the "Ospidalieri", crusaders of St. John, who arrived at Etna at the end of the 13th century on their way back from Jerusalem. They claim to have introduced viticulture at Etna. The winery was founded in 1852, when Felice Spitaleri had a château-style castle - the Castello Solicchiata - built and planted exclusively French grape varieties, a practice that has been maintained to this day.1855 he released Italy's first Bordeaux blend. The family lives in complete seclusion and the wines are very difficult to obtain.
With more than 100 kilometres of hewn lava stone walls and 60 hectares of vines at altitudes between 700 and 1,000 metres, Solicchiata is probably the largest terraced vineyard in the world. It consists of 70 percent Cabernet Franc, 10 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 10 percent Merlot and 10 percent other Bordeaux grape varieties, all planted in Alberello. This is probably the world's largest planting in this vine training. The winery also owns Feudo Boschetto, which is planted with Pinot Noir - some of them still from the original planting.
As the director of Planeta explains, his family will contribute their know-how to the partnership. " The wines of Castello Solicchiata express the determination with which a family of extraordinary men designed, built and finally developed their idea of wine, choosing Etna as the ideal place," says Alessio Planeta.
(al / source: winenews.it, photo: facebook/Castellosolicchiata)