The Tasca d’Almerita family’s adventure on Mount Etna began in 2007 with a deep sense of respect for the “Muntagna”. Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, is a symbol of untamed nature, alternating between effusive flows and moments of explosive intensity. Its unique landscape is shaped by layers of volcanic materials from different geological eras, creating a terrain of solidified lava, ash and lapilli.
Through the Tascante project, the family embarked on a mission to study and celebrate this extraordinary volcanic terroir. After years of research and experimentation, the harvest and winemaking processes are now carried out on a “contrada-by-contrada” basis, allowing the wines to express the distinctive character of each of the four selected districts. A journey of knowledge and respect for an remarkable territory, capable of expressing wines deeply linked to the volcanic soil.
«It all began when Giuseppe Tasca d’Almerita, returning from Mount Etna, brought a few bottles of innovative wines that had piqued his interest…»
The Unique Stories of Etna’s Contrade
On Mount Etna, every “contrada” tells its own story, shaped by distinctive features such as altitude, soil composition, exposure and the morphology of ancient lava flows. The Tasca d’Almerita vineyards thrive on these diverse terrains, creating a true mosaic of territorial identities.
What truly sets Etna’s “contrade” apart, however, is their geological and temporal origins. The more recent lava flows date back to 1646, 1879, 1911 and the most recent in 1981, near Randazzo. Alongside these younger formations lie much older volcanic deposits, ranging from 122 BC to as far back as 15.000–40.000 years ago. Near Contrada Grasà, the story takes an even more ancient turn, with pre-volcanic sedimentary formations surfacing, dating back 20–25 million years.
This extraordinary interplay between deep history and the present makes Etna’s “contrade” a territory of unparalleled complexity and beauty, offering a glimpse into the timeless power of the volcano.
«Mount Etna embodies the raw, untamed power of nature at its most primordial state»
Etna’s Diverse Soils: A Gift to Tasca d’Almerita’s Vines
The vineyards cultivated by the Tasca family on Mount Etna showcase remarkable diversity. Soil depth varies dramatically, ranging from just a few centimeters to significant depths, with a stony composition that fluctuates between 20% and over 70%.
Abundant annual rainfall ensures essential water reserves for the soil, while the stark temperature shifts between day and night play a pivotal role in shaping the character of the grapes. These thermal variations help preserve the aromatic compounds developed under the Mediterranean sun, resulting in wines that beautifully embody the power and elegance of the volcano.
«Everything about Etna exudes a magnetic charm: the vineyards, the terraced landscapes, the dry-stone walls, the volcanic soil and the resilient people who call this place home»
Contrada Sciaranuova: Vineyards and Chestnut Woods
Nestled at an average altitude of 730 meters above sea level, between Montelaguardia and Passopisciaro, the Tasca d’Almerita estate in Contrada Sciaranuova spans 14.40 hectares. Of this, 4.9 hectares are devoted to vineyards, with plantings dating back to 1961 and more recent additions from 2008. The vines include Nerello Mascalese and Carricante, two native grape varieties that thrive in Etna’s volcanic soils.
The area is defined by 12 terraces supported by 696 meters of traditional dry-stone walls, along with 7.5 hectares of chestnut forest and 44 olive trees. The terrain slopes gently from southwest to northeast with an average gradient of 8.5%.
The volcanic soil, formed over millennia, ranges in age from 4000 to 40.000 years. It is composed of volcanic sands rich in skeletal material, interspersed with rocks of varying sizes, from basalt to pumice. These unique conditions foster an environment where the vines produce wines with an unmistakable sense of place, reflecting the character and power of Mount Etna.
«Founded in 1968, the Etna DOC set the standard for quality, driving the transformation of this exceptional wine region»
Contrada Pianodario: A Fascinating Stratigraphy
Located between Montelaguardia and Randazzo, at an average altitude of 775 meters above sea level, the Tasca d’Almerita estate in Contrada Pianodario spans 7.91 hectares. Of this, 3.8 hectares are dedicated to vineyards, complemented by 55 olive trees. Planted in 2010, the vineyards feature traditional bush-trained vines and are home to two indigenous grape varieties: Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio.
The estate boasts 178 terraced vineyards supported by 235 dry-stone walls stretching a remarkable 8000 meters. The terrain slopes gently from south to north, with an average gradient of 7%.
The volcanic soils of Pianodario reveal a fascinating stratigraphy. The surface layer is rich in volcanic skeletal material, including sands, medium to small rocks and pumice. Beneath this, substrates date back 4000 to 15.000 years, resting on even older layers aged between 30.000 and 40.000 years. This dynamic terroir, shaped by millennia of volcanic activity, creates exceptional conditions for producing wines that authentically express the timeless essence of Mount Etna.
«Etna DOC wines are crafted in Contrada Rampante, within a 1000-square-meter winery featuring a historic palmento»
Contrada Rampante: The Winery and Its Historic Palmento
Nestled at an average altitude of 740 meters above sea level, between the villages of Solicchiata and Passopisciaro, the Tasca d’Almerita estate in Contrada Rampante covers 4.6 hectares. This area includes 5 terraced vineyards planted in 2000 with 21.400 vines of Nerello Mascalese and Chardonnay, alongside 150 olive trees. The estate’s 8 dry-stone walls, stretching 618 meters, reflect a deep respect for tradition and the surrounding landscape.
The terrain slopes gently from southeast to northeast, with an average gradient of 4.7%. The volcanic soils are a unique blend of sandy volcanic materials, basaltic blocks of varying sizes and large rock outcroppings. While the stratigraphy varies in depth, the deposits belong to the same geological era, dating back between 4000 and 15.000 years.
This is where Etna Doc wines are crafted, inside a 1000-square-meter winery that includes a historic palmento.
«This is where native grape varieties such as Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Carricante are vinified, complemented by the international elegance of Chardonnay»
Grasà: A Tiny Gem with a Unique Geological Story
Situated at an average altitude of 550 meters above sea level, west of Castiglione di Sicilia, the Tasca d’Almerita estate in Contrada Grasà spans just 0.75 hectares. This small yet remarkable area features 3 terraced vineyards planted with 300 Nerello Mascalese vines (and 20 olive trees), bordered by 9 dry-stone walls stretching 500 meters.
The terrain slopes from southwest to northeast with a notable average gradient of 12%. What sets this area apart is its extraordinary geological history. The land combines volcanic formations and sedimentary layers of vastly different ages. The sedimentary base, dating back 20 to 25 million years, predates the formation of Mount Etna itself. In contrast, the volcanic outcrops are relatively young, with most of the vineyard rooted in soils formed between 4000 and 15.000 years ago, while a portion sits on deposits dating to approximately 6000 years ago. Just south of this site lies the lava flow from the 1911 eruption.
This extraordinary interplay of ancient sedimentary foundations and younger volcanic layers creates an exceptional terroir, yielding wines with remarkable complexity – an authentic expression of Etna’s dynamic and multifaceted nature.
«Red, white or rosé – each wine boasts its own distinct personality, shaped by the unique character of its contrada of origin»
Tasca‘s Commitment to the Planet and Community
At Tascante, part of the Tasca d’Almerita family of estates, sustainability is not just a principle – it’s a certified achievement. As a B Corp-certified company, Tasca d’Almerita embodies a deep commitment to sustainable viticulture, earning recognition for its dedication to environmental stewardship and the well-being of local communities.
The company’s adherence to the SOStain protocol, Sicily’s tailored sustainability program for viticulture, marks another significant step forward. Using a system of scientific indicators, SOStain measures and certifies the winery’s overall sustainability while providing valuable insights to optimize resources and minimize waste.
Through this innovative and responsible approach, Tasca d’Almerita has positioned itself as a benchmark for those seeking excellence and environmental respect in Sicilian winemaking.
«On the terraces with dry stone walls, not only vineyards, but also chestnut groves and hundreds of olive trees»
WINERY OPENINGS, TOURS AND TASTINGS
– Experiences at the Tascante Estate take place all year round Monday through Saturday (h 10.30 am-12.30 pm and 3.30 pm-5.30 pm), excluding holidays. For info and reservations: tel. 0039 092 154 4029 (Monday to Friday h 8.30-17.30), hospitality@tascadalmerita.it or via WhatsApp at 0039 342 869 2972 (Saturday and Sunday), https://shop.tascadalmerita.it/en/collections/esperienze-tenuta-tascante – 3 tasting possibilities:
Discovering Tascante: guided tasting at the Tascante Estate (guided tour of the historic millstone, tour of the vineyard in Pianodario taken by the hospitality manager, guided tasting of 5 wines from the estate accompanied by a selection of seasonal and local products, tasting of the 5 evo oils produced in the 5 Tasca d’Almerita estates, duration 2 h, about 80 euros)
Sicily Told by the Tasca d’Almerita Wines at Tascante: guided tasting at the Tascante Estate (guided tour of the historic millstone, tour of the vineyard at Pianodario taken by the hospitality manager, guided tasting of the 5 emblematic wines of the 5 Tasca d’Almerita estates accompanied by a selection of seasonal and local products, tasting of the 5 evo oils produced in the 5 Tasca d’Almerita estates, duration 2 h, about 120 euros)
Hiking on Etna Volcano and Wine Tasting in the Palmento of the Tascante Estate: hiking & wine at Tascante Estate (off-road vehicle tour and hiking with licensed guide on the north slope of Etna, visit of the vineyard in Pianodario taken by the hospitality manager, guided tasting of 5 estate wines at the historic millstone accompanied by a selection of seasonal and local products, tasting of the 5 evo oils produced in the 5 Tasca d’Almerita estates, duration 5 h from 8.30 am to 1.30 pm, about 260 euros, for exclusive guided tasting without other participants an additional cost will be applied, experience only on request, experience for over 18s while for the possible participation of minors between 14 and 17 years of age or for other special requirements contact hospitality@tascadalmerita.it, overnight stay upon request)
– Number of participants: minimum 2 people, maximum 10
– Languages: Italian and English
– During the harvest period the visit to the winery may be subject to restrictions
– Planned activities and times may change depending on seasonal rhythms; any changes in the programme will be communicated in time
– For food allergies or intolerances, please fill in the appropriate section during the booking process
– Possibility of transport from/to Catania or from/to other locations (on request)
– Possibility of accommodation, for information and bookings regarding accommodation contact hospitality@tascadalmerita.it
– For further information on additional services or for specific requests such as tailor-made experiences, for one person or for groups of more than 10 people, please contact hospitality@tascadalmerita.it indicating the experience you are interested in and the estate you intend to visit; at this link the Faq – Frequently Asked Questions page
– The meeting point for the departure of the experiences is: Tenuta Tascante, Strada Pianodario, 95036 Randazzo (Catania); for any problems call 0039 092 154 4029 (Monday to Friday h h 8.30-17.30, Saturday and Sunday by email at hospitality@tascadalmerita.it or via WhatsApp at 0039 342 869 2972)
CONTACTS
S.S. 120, Km 194,750
Contrada Marchesa
Frazione Passopisciaro
95012 Castiglione di Sicilia (CT)
tel. 092 154 4029 (Monday to Friday h 8.30-17.30)
342 869 2972 (Saturday and Sunday, WhatsApp number)
hospitality@tascadalmerita.it
www.tascadalmerita.it
