THE VINEYARDS

The Etna vineyards are an integral part of the Muntagna (mountain in Sicilian). For centuries, the cultivation of vines has been one of the main agricultural practices in this area shimmering with ever-changing colour. The landscape has been shaped around the Etna vineyards. Dry lava stone walls, houses, and narrow little roads from farm to farm were built—Palmentos of rare beauty. A trip to the highest volcano in Europe really should include a visit to the Etna vineyards. The Cavanera Etnea Estate, which houses the Cavanera Resort & Wine Experience, is home to the treasure that is one of the most beautiful and precious vineyards on Etna. Only native varieties are grown in the estate’s 11 hectares, varieties like the Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio red grape and Carricante and Catarratto white grape. The lines of vines stretch out between the terraces that were laboriously excavated over time by the skilful hands of Etna farmers. The volcano’s lava has been shaped to allow the extremely fertile soil, which is rich in minerals, to be cultivated. The Etna vineyards, however, are also part of historic Sicilian viticulture heritage, because today it is still possible to drink wines which come from pre-phylloxera vineyards.
At Cavanera Etnea, it is possible to experience this unique event because next to the seventeenth century Palmento, protected by its wrought iron fence, as it was back then, grows a pre-phylloxera vineyard which is skilfully tended to by the heroes of Firriato. The vines are living sculptures, forged over time, woody, contorted, unique and inimitable, and still alive today. Of the Etna vineyards, the one at Cavanera is a jewel that can only be appreciated by the most inquisitive and demanding wine lovers—people who love the history of winemaking and distinctive wines. An Etna DOC wine has, in fact, been created from these vines; a true nectar that is testimony of a historic legacy that has survived the odds unscathed.