Founded in the late 1960s by Count Hugues Bernard de la Gatinais and his wife Gigi Guarrasi, Tenuta Rapitalà emerged from the reconstruction of an ancient winery devastated by the 1968 Belice Valley earthquake. With a modern approach to winemaking, Tenuta Rapitalà is one of Sicily’s great wineries and played a pivotal role in the revitalization of Sicily’s wine scene for its dedication to the varietal and cultural reconversion of the vineyards, placing great French grape varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir alongside native ones. Since 1999, it has been part of the Gruppo Italiano Vini.
«Spanning 180 hectares, Tenuta Rapitalà’s vineyards are set on rolling hills that descend from Camporeale toward Alcamo»
In the Heart of Sicily
Nestled in the Camporeale area of Palermo Province, Tenuta Rapitalà spans around 252 hectares, with 179 dedicated to vineyards. Set on gently rolling hills leading toward Alcamo, the estate sits at altitudes from 300 to 600 meters, benefitting from ideal ventilation and sunlight that make it perfect for cultivating premium grape varieties. With a classic Mediterranean climate – chilly winters and warm summers tempered by elevation and northern breezes – the vineyards thrive. The soils here are a mix of clay and sand, becoming sandier at higher elevations.
«the landscape is beautifully shaped by sunlit rows of vines stretching across the hills»
A Diversity of Soils and Altitudes
The variety of soils and elevations at Tenuta Rapitalà allows for cultivating the same grape varieties with unique characteristics, giving each wine distinct organoleptic nuances.
The vineyards are generally divided into two zones based on soil type and altitude: at 300–400 meters, the clay-rich soils and moderate temperature shifts lend wines a robust structure and depth; while at 400–550 meters, the sandy soils and pronounced temperature changes bring freshness and intense aromas.
The estate grows an impressive selection of grapes, including Nero d’Avola, Syrah, Catarratto, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Grillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Perricone and Cabernet.
«The wines must preserve the authentic flavors and aromas of Sicilian soil»
Commitment to Sustainable Viticulture
Tenuta Rapitalà follows agronomic management protocols that embrace certified organic practices, tailored to enhance each vineyard’s unique terroir while respecting local soil, climate and environmental conditions. The approach varies for each plot, adapting practices to the specific characteristics of the vineyards and micro-terroirs based on soil type, climate and grape variety.
The estate’s journey toward organic certification has been supported by SosTain Sicilia, a sustainability program promoted by Consorzio di Tutela Vini Doc Sicilia and Assovini Sicilia, aimed at certifying the region’s commitment to eco-friendly viticulture.
CONTACTS
Contrada Rapitalà
90043 Camporeale (PA)
tel. 0924 372 33
www.gruppoitalianovini.it
