BARONE DI VILLAGRANDE

Barone di Villagrande is situated in the contrada of Villagrande, in Milo, on the cooler eastern slopes of Mount Etna. The estate has belonged to the Nicolosi Asmundo family for more than 300 years, and the family played an instrumental role in securing Etna’s recognition as a DOC.

The history of Barone di Villagrande is inseparable from that of the Nicolosi Asmundo family, whose ancestors have cultivated the eastern slopes of Etna since the early 17th century. Their commitment was recognised in 1727, when Emperor Charles VI, King of Naples, granted Don Carmelo Nicolosi the title of Baron of Villagrande.

Viticulture became increasingly central to the estate over successive generations. In 1869, Paolo Nicolosi built a new cellar, which remains in use today, and pioneered the separate vinification of white and red grapes at a time when mixed-field blends were still common. His work helped lay the foundations for Etna Bianco Superiore. A century later, Carlo Nicolosi Asmundo played an important role in the creation of the Etna DOC, established in 1968.

Today, the estate is led by Marco Nicolosi and his wife, Barbara. Under their stewardship, Villagrande produces some of the most complex, charming and expressive wines not only on Etna, but anywhere in Italy. Villagrande is based in Milo, overlooking Taormina and the Ionian Sea. It’s 18 hectares of vineyards lie at around 700 metres above sea level. Milo is the only municipality permitted to produce Etna Bianco Superiore, and its cooler, wetter conditions are particularly well suited to Carricante. Annual rainfall can approach 2,000 millimetres, while winds from the Ionian Sea help ventilate the vineyards and dry the grapes after rain.

The soils, shaped by Etna’s volcanic history and the formation of the Valle del Bove, are composed of volcanic loam and fine black sand. Because of the humidity on the eastern slope, the vines are trained using the Guyot system rather than the traditional alberello method, improving airflow and reducing disease pressure. Certified organic since 1989, Villagrande harvests entirely by hand and seeks to minimise its environmental impact. Natural fertiliser is sourced locally, while chestnut poles from the surrounding woodland are used in the vineyards. Etnean chestnut is also used to mature some of the red wines, including the estate’s Contrada Villagrande bottling.

In the cellar, gravity flow and minimal intervention help preserve varietal character and a clear expression of place. Some vessels incorporate local lava stone, further reinforcing the estate’s close connection to Etna. Produced from grapes grown in the estate’s namesake Contrada, the Etna Rosso Villagrande is a blend of 80% Nerello Mascalese and 20% Nerello Cappuccio. Fine-boned and sinewy, it has real vibrancy and charm, with evocative aromas of rose petal, cherry blossom and wild herbs. The white Contrada Villagrande, a blend of Carricante with 10% other native varieties, is both dense and fleshy, yet its bright acidity is wonderfully refreshing and nervy. It is one of Etna’s benchmark white wines.