Carranco is the combined effort of two wineries; Tornatore, from Castiglione di Sicilia, is one of the few remaining native producers on Etna, and Borgogno, the oldest winery in Barolo, one of the most important and historic producers in the Langhe
Since 2018 these two completely different wineries have been producing great wines, pure expression of the land of origin – growing only native grapes in the fertile volcanic soils; striving to express all the power, strength and explosiveness of Etna’s eruptions.
Contrada’s grapes are sourced from a unique old vineyard of bush trained vines planted on small terraces of basalt volcanic rock.
After the harvest the Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccino grapes are de-stemmed and crushed. Fermentation follows in concrete tanks at a controlled temperature of 24-26 °C. After this passage, the wine then rests for about 25 days on the submerged cap skins to extract even more anthocyanins and tannins, which will integrate perfectly with the structure of the wine. The final blend of 95% Nerello Mascalese 5% Nerello Cappuccio is then aged in large French oak barrels for 12 months before bottling
Etna is classified as a shield volcano with more than 300 eruptive cones and a diameter of 40 km, formed during the ages through a process of construction and destruction. Thanks to the many eruptions, it has given rise to soils rich in ash, volcanic sand and lava-based material.
Another aspect of considerable importance is the climate, which is different from the rest of the island, colder and rainier, while enjoying the benefits of being close to the sea. Thanks to the sea breeze, the climate is milder and slightly cooler, and the difference between daytime and night-time temperatures is very important for the vine.
This land reached the peak of its development when the area was struck by phylloxera, but because of the sandy composition an alkaline soil, rich in ash, meant that the disease was unable to take hold.
The Carranco estate sits at an altitude of 500 metres above sea level in the Contrada of the same name, in the village of Pietra Marina (part of the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia), located on the north side of Etna and considered to be one of the most best suited slopes for wine production.
The estate covers an area of eight hectares of vineyard, cultivated with the native bush-trained vines of Etna, mainly Nerello Mascalese, plus Nerello Cappuccio and Carricante varietals. The vineyards which are about 50 –60 years old, along with sustainable agricultural techniques that fully respect tradition and the environment, give life to grapes of the most outstanding quality.
The northern most side of the estate, in the middle of the basalt rocks, is home to the Contrada Carrancocru. A unique vineyard, cultivated only with bush-trained vines planted on small terraces.
Carranco is the combined effort of two wineries; Tornatore, from Castiglione di Sicilia, is one of the few remaining native producers on Etna, and Borgogno, the oldest winery in Barolo, one of the most important and historic producers in the Langhe
Since 2018 these two completely different wineries have been producing great wines, pure expression of the land of origin – growing only native grapes in the fertile volcanic soils; striving to express all the power, strength and explosiveness of Etna’s eruptions.
Contrada’s grapes are sourced from a unique old vineyard of bush trained vines planted on small terraces of basalt volcanic rock.
After the harvest the Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccino grapes are de-stemmed and crushed. Fermentation follows in concrete tanks at a controlled temperature of 24-26 °C. After this passage, the wine then rests for about 25 days on the submerged cap skins to extract even more anthocyanins and tannins, which will integrate perfectly with the structure of the wine. The final blend of 95% Nerello Mascalese 5% Nerello Cappuccio is then aged in large French oak barrels for 12 months before bottling
Etna is classified as a shield volcano with more than 300 eruptive cones and a diameter of 40 km, formed during the ages through a process of construction and destruction. Thanks to the many eruptions, it has given rise to soils rich in ash, volcanic sand and lava-based material.
Another aspect of considerable importance is the climate, which is different from the rest of the island, colder and rainier, while enjoying the benefits of being close to the sea. Thanks to the sea breeze, the climate is milder and slightly cooler, and the difference between daytime and night-time temperatures is very important for the vine.
This land reached the peak of its development when the area was struck by phylloxera, but because of the sandy composition an alkaline soil, rich in ash, meant that the disease was unable to take hold.
The Carranco estate sits at an altitude of 500 metres above sea level in the Contrada of the same name, in the village of Pietra Marina (part of the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia), located on the north side of Etna and considered to be one of the most best suited slopes for wine production.
The estate covers an area of eight hectares of vineyard, cultivated with the native bush-trained vines of Etna, mainly Nerello Mascalese, plus Nerello Cappuccio and Carricante varietals. The vineyards which are about 50 –60 years old, along with sustainable agricultural techniques that fully respect tradition and the environment, give life to grapes of the most outstanding quality.
The northern most side of the estate, in the middle of the basalt rocks, is home to the Contrada Carrancocru. A unique vineyard, cultivated only with bush-trained vines planted on small terraces.
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