Mandrarossa was born in Menfi in 1999 after an extensive study of the land, focused on identifying the best combinations between grape varieties and terroir characteristics. This meticulous approach allowed the team to pinpoint ideal habitats where each grape variety could fully express its unique qualities.
In 2020, Mandrarossa expanded its horizons beyond its original boundaries, reaching the slopes of Mount Etna and the island of Pantelleria. This new chapter brought forth Etna Doc wines and Pantelleria’s first wine with a controlled designation of origin.
«In Menfi, Vineyards Stretch from Rolling Hills to the Blue Sea»
A Coastal Haven of Sunlit Vineyards and Rich Biodiversity
The Menfi area, nestled along Sicily’s southwestern coast, offers a unique natural setting blessed with abundant sunshine throughout the year and holds a vibrant wealth of biodiversity. With gentle hills draped in vineyards stretching toward the sea and expansive olive groves dotting the landscape, all framed by Mediterranean flora, Menfi is renowned as one of Sicily’s premier wine-growing districts.
A Perfect Environment for High-Quality Grapes
The vineyards of Mandrarossa, neatly arranged across the expansive hills from Magaggiaro Forest to the coast, create a breathtaking view. This region offers ideal conditions for vine cultivation: a dry, sunny climate; south-facing slopes that capture intense sunlight; warm winds and sea breezes; and the moderating influence of the sea and temperature variations – all of which contribute to producing premium-quality grapes. The landscape’s varied slopes, exposures and altitudes, along with diverse soil types, form multiple microclimates, each perfectly suited for cultivating different grape varieties.
«the vineyards cultivate a mix of indigenous, international and even “experimental” grape varieties»
500 Hectares of Diverse Vineyards: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation Mandrarossa’s vineyards span 500 hectares, from elevations of 1440 feet down to the beach, weaving through numerous vineyard-rich contrade. Among these vines are celebrated native varieties like Grecanico and Nero d’Avola, alongside well-known international grapes such as Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The vineyards also showcase a spirit of innovation with newer, experimental varieties, including Fiano, Viognier, Petit Verdot, Alicante Bouschet, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc.
With the 2021 vintage, Mandrarossa introduced its first wines crafted from 100% organically grown grapes.
The winery, located south of Menfi on a hillside at around 300 feet above sea level, is a modern, multi-level structure designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding Menfi countryside.
«Innovation is preserving ancient treasures with fresh, new interpretations»
Mandrarossa’s New Ventures on Mount Etna and Pantelleria
For its latest projects, Mandrarossa has chosen the slopes of Mount Etna and the island of Pantelleria.
In Linguaglossa, at Contrada Valle Galfina, 4 hectares have been dedicated to cultivating the native Carricante and Nerello Mascalese grapes, producing wines that reflect the unique landscape of valleys, volcanic deserts, lava flows, ancient trees and rich flora – an unforgettable scene.
On Pantelleria, in Contrada Karuscia on the island’s interior, Mandrarossa crafts Passito of Pantelleria Doc from selected Zibibbo grapes grown across three distinct areas, each offering unique exposure to sun and wind. The vineyards, spanning 2 hectares, thrive in sandy, volcanic soils. At Bukkuram on the western plateau, the alberello-trained vines slope gently toward the sea. In Piana della Ghirlanda to the east, vineyards cover what was once the volcanic caldera 50.000 years ago. And in Monastero, a southwest valley, the vines grow along the edge of Zighidì’s ancient caldera.
«Mandrarossa’s New Projects? Expanding to Etna and Pantelleria»
A Celebration of Mandrarossa’s Roots
Every summer, Menfi takes a journey back to its roots. In this wild, unspoiled landscape of extraordinary beauty, the Mandrarossa “Vineyard Tour” unfolds, starting from the highest point, where visitors can witness the seasonal shift in colors: the lush green of vineyards, the silvery sheen of olive groves and the rich browns of the soil. Moving through the countryside’s vineyard-laden contrade and down to the coast, guests are immersed in the salty aromas, ocean blue vistas and gentle sea breezes. This annual event, cherished by Mandrarossa winelovers, offers days filled with exquisite food and wine, breathtaking views and unforgettable sunsets. It’s an invitation to explore the region’s wonders throughout the year.
«“Vineyard Tour”: The Annual Event for Mandrarossa Winelovers»
WINERY OPENINGS, TOURS AND TASTINGS
– Reservations required for winery visits and wine tours: tel. 0039 0925 771 28, info@mandrarossawinery.it, www.mandrarossa.it/en/wine-tour, www.mandrarossa.it/en/hospitality
– In the winery tours, the first stop is the didactic vineyard, a faithful reproduction of the traditional vineyard; the tour continues with a visit to the production plant and, at harvest time, you can watch the arrival of the grapes at the winery and the unloading into the steel tanks for fermentation; the next stop is the barrel cellar inside the winery; finally, the tasting room, from which you can admire the vineyards and the sea
– The Wine Tours are divided into two categories, Classic Wine Tours (for those interested in learning about the Mandrarossa world through a visit to the winery and the tasting of a selection of wines) and Food & Wine Tours (for those who wish to explore the winery and continue with the tasting of Mandrarossa wines in combination with the culinary excellence of the area).
– 13 tasting possibilities:
I Biologici di Mandrarossa (45′, about 20 euro, Tuesday to Friday, h 11 am)
Top Wines (1 h, about 25 euro, tasting of 4 wines, Tuesday to Friday, h 4 pm)
Le Storie Ritrovate (1 h, about 30 euro, tasting of 5 wines, Tuesday to Friday, h 4 pm)
La Sicilia Che Non Ti Aspetti (45′, about 18 euro for tasting of 3 wines, about 22 euro for tasting of 6 wines, Tuesday to Friday, h 11 am)
I Varietali (45′, about 15 euro for tasting of 3 wines, about 20 euro for tasting of 5 wines, Tuesday to Friday, h 11 am)
Verticali – Timperosse (1.30 h, about 25 euro, tasting of 3 vintages, Thursday and Friday, h 4 pm)
Verticali – Santannella (1.30 h, about 25 euro, tasting of 3 vintages, Saturday, h 4 pm)
Verticali – Cartagho (1.30 h, about 30 euro, tasting of 3 vintages, Wednesday, h 4 pm)
I Volti del Nero d’Avola (1 h, about 25 euro, tasting of 3 wines, Tuesday to Friday, h 4 pm)
Aperitivo in Cantina (3 h, about 18 euro for tasting of 2 wines + 2 tastings, about 30 euro for tasting of 4 wines + 4 tastings, Wednesday and Saturday, h 6.30 pm)
Wine Lunch (2 h, about 50 euro, tasting of 5 wines paired with 5 dishes from Menfi’s tradition, Saturday and Sunday, h 12)
Origini e Tradizioni (2 h, about 45 euro, tasting of 5 wines + tasting menu that explores the culinary traditions from Menfi, Etna and Pantelleria, Tuesday to Friday, h 12.30 pm)
Innovativi a Tavola (2 h, about 38 euro, tasting of 6 wines + 6 tastings of traditional culinary delights from the territory, Tuesday to Friday, h 12.30 pm)
– Open for wine purchases Tuesday through Saturday (h 9.30 am – 1 pm and 3-6 pm)
– Pets not allowed on property
CONTACTS
Contrada Puccia
92013 Menfi (AG)
tel. 0925 771 28
info@mandrarossawinery.it
www.mandrarossa.it
