Three Centuries of Etna Wines

The history of this family is deeply intertwined with the Villagrande Contrada. In the early 18th century, the Bishop of Catania entrusted the Nicolosi Asmundo family with the task of transforming the rugged Etna fields from a “harsh and untamed land into a flourishing garden.”

Emperor Charles VI of Austria, King of Naples, honored Don Carmelo Nicolosi with the title of Baron of Villagrande. This connection to the land and its grapes became inseparable, marking the beginning of the oldest vineyard cultivation tradition in these lands, a tradition that continues to this day.

Generations later, in 1869, Paolo Nicolosi built a new winery for winemaking and aging. It was here that, for the first time on Etna, both red and white wines were produced. Prior to this, wine on Etna—and throughout Italy—was made by blending all grapes together, with no distinction of color or variety. Paolo, however, had a different vision. He sought to create distinct wines that highlighted the unique characteristics of each variety, laying the foundation for what would eventually become the Etna Bianco Superiore.

In 1968, when Etna earned its D.O.C. designation—the first in Sicily—the disciplinary guidelines were written by Carlo Nicolosi Asmundo, a professor of enology and food sciences at the University of Catania. This was a pivotal moment in the history of Etna wines, and the story continues to unfold.

Today Marco Nicolosi as Wine Maker and Production Manager continue to maintain their commitment on the territory with the aim of respecting and enhancing the heritage of the family and the peculiarities of the wine-growing area . The goal of the company, family and staff is to share the natural heritage of Etna, transfer the love and devotion of a unique and special place.

Situated on the eastern slope of Mount Etna, overlooking Taormina and the Ionian Sea, Villagrande lies 700 meters above sea level. The climate here is far from typical Sicilian; it is, in fact, uniquely “Etnean.” Both temperatures and precipitation patterns are influenced by the volcanic activity and the altitude. In autumn and winter, the area experiences up to ten times more rainfall than the rest of Sicily. During winter and early germination, minimum temperatures can drop below 0°C, which can be dangerous for the vines. In contrast, summer temperatures rarely reach the extremes seen elsewhere in Sicily, and rainfall is almost nonexistent. This lack of humidity is further intensified by the vineyard’s slope, which drains deeply due to its igneous origin. The significant temperature variation between day and night—sometimes reaching up to 30°C—proves to be a blessing for the grapes. This results in wines with lower alcohol content compared to the Sicilian average, but with a distinctive richness in fixed acidity and extracts.

These are mountain vineyards, nestled within oak and chestnut forests that emit intense and distinctive aromas. Their roots dig deep into volcanic soils, in the heart of the Etna Bianco DOC Superiore region. The land is rich in iron and copper. It’s the ideal environment for the Carricante, Nerello Mascalese, and Nerello Cappuccio vines, which thrive across 18 hectares of sun-drenched terraces.

2022 Etna Rosso DOC

Nerello Mascalese 80%, 20% Nerello Cappuccio and Nerello Mantellato

Certified Organic

Here the warmth of the south of Italy meets the mists, the big thermal
excursions, the abundant rain. You can feel all of this in the delicate, herbal and berries notes,
smoothened by the chestnut barrels where this wine “lives” for one year.

Pair with red meat, Tuna tagliata or fish. Brilliant with cold cuts and sweet and sour dishes.

2021 Etna Bianco DOC Superiore Contrada Villagrande
Carricante 90%, other Indigenous Etna varieties 10%

Certified Organic

“In Villagrande we wanted to make a wine that defies time, that amplifies the unique characteristics of the Etna: freshness, aging potential, elegance.”

“Wow. This great white from Etna tastes like a top dry riesling from the Rheingau with minerals, white pepper and smoke as well as apricots and apples. Creamy and very vibrant at the end.” 
95 points – James Suckling

“The 2021 is 90% Carricante and combines the aromatic nuance and complexity of a grand cru Chablis with a steelier, tighter frame. Some 500 litre oak is used but it adds discreet texture and complexity rather than overt flavour. Lemon verbena, butter, green apples and fresh, juicy green pears characterise the nose, while the palate is driven by a vertical, architectural acidity that binds everything together with impressive elegance.”
94 points – Decanter

2022 Etna Rosso DOC Contrada
‘Monte Arso’

Nerello Mascalese 80%, Nerello Cappuccio and Mantellato 20%

Certified Organic

Elegant and balanced on the mouth, persistent minerality and well-balanced tannin, a persistent aftertaste of red fruits, pot herbs and spices. 

“Evolving depth with seductive blueberry, plum, dark cherries followed by sweet spice and star anise with long standing finish.”
Silver -92 pts
Decanter World Wine Awards 2025

THE VINEYARD IN SALINA

Salina is one of the Aeolian islands, in front of the north-eastern coast of Sicily. This is also a volcanic island, volcanoes that are now extinguished which have modeled the island and gave its characteristics to the soil of igneous origin, highly draining. The climate in Salina is Mediterranean, and it couldn’t be any different for the island is located on the very centre of the Mediterranean Sea. Rain is rare and mainly concentrated in Autumn and Winter. Temperatures are high from the Spring and in Summer consistent thermal excursions are common during the night.

2023 Salina Bianco IGT

Malvasia delle Lipari 40%, Rucignola, Catarratto and other indigenous grapes 60%

Certified Organic

A wine that speaks about its island in its scents and texture, every sip takes you to Salina. The label is like summoning the sun in your glass: from the Aeolian sun this wine gains power, character and scents, but it loves to be free, to fly towards flavours often forgotten.

Floral sensations, citrus, herbs and balsamic on the nose.
Elegant in the mouth with citrus and a slightly sweet and mineral aftertaste.

Pairs well with fresh cheese, fruits and “pinzimonio”- a typical Italian dish with vegetables, dipped in olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

villagrande.it/