Barone di Villagrande
Jascots were delighted to welcome Barone di Villagrande to the portfolio in 2023, their family estate is truly breathtaking. The 18 hectares of vineyards were planted in 1727 at 700m above sea level on the Eastern side of Mount Etna. Their estate is geologically distinct compared to most others. Volcanic activity long ago caused a fault-line into the ocean in their immediate area. This revealed older geological strata meaning their soils are coloured red as opposed to the typical black of most Etna soils. There’s also a microclimate meaning the vineyards receive 10 x more rain than the Sicilian annual average, vital in a characteristically dry growing season. The diurnal range is substantial with up to 30 degrees Celsius difference between day and night.
When the vineyards were planted in the early C18th red and white varieties were all intermingled. Over time the vines have been cloned by massal selection in a ‘one-out one-in’ policy thus retaining the genetic composition of the originals. The first separation of white and red grapes is at harvest, painstakingly carried out by hand. Their whites are DOC Superiore, made up mostly of the indigenous variety Carricante. These are sublimely textured with refreshingly well-integrated acidity and a saline lick, made by winemaker Marco Nicolosi. The Contrada spends 9 months in local chestnut wood barrels, a soft medium that does not give impart flavour into the wine. The DOC reds also spend time in chestnut barrels, the Contrada for a minimum of two years. It’s a blend of Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Nerello Mantellato.
![Barone di Villagrande](https://www.jascots.co.uk/media/images/uploaded/barone-di-villagrande.2288.full.jpg)
Barone di Villagrande
![etnabianco](https://www.jascots.co.uk/media/images/uploaded/products/4406/etnabianco.4418.thumb.jpg)
Etna Bianco DOC Superiore Contrada Villagrande, Barone di Villagrande, Etna, Sicily, Italy 2018
Sicily and Islands, Italy
Tasting Notes
Pale yellow on release with deepening hue with age. An elegant and complex…
Food Matches
Chicken, Seafood & Goat Cheese
White
Rich & Complex Whites
75cl
![etna](https://www.jascots.co.uk/media/images/uploaded/products/4409/etna.4392.thumb.jpg)
Etna Rosso DOC Contrada Villagrande, Barone di Villagrande, Etna, Sicily, Italy 2018
Sicily and Islands, Italy
Tasting Notes
Broad and complex nose of violets, wild berry fruits complemented by subtle…
Food Matches
Meatloaf, Roasted sardines & Cheese - Caciocavallo or Provolone
Red
Medium Bodied Reds
75cl
Related Blog Posts
![Jascots is "Highly Commended IWC On-Trade Wine Supplier 2023"](https://www.jascots.co.uk/media/images/uploaded/iwc-winner.2283.featured.jpg)
Jascots is "Highly Commended IWC On-Trade Wine Supplier 2023"
Jascots named "Highly Commended IWC On-Trade Wine Supplier 2023"
04.07.23
Read More