Palmento Caselle 2020 I Vigneri di Salvo Foti

Palmento Caselle 2020 – I Vigneri di Salvo Foti

History and Philosophy
The Palmento Caselle 2020 is a white wine from I Vigneri di Salvo Foti, a project born from Salvo Foti’s passion for Etna’s native grape varieties and centuries-old winemaking traditions. For over 20 years, he has selected and propagated the Carricante grape using massal selection, cultivating vineyards with respect for the local environment and biodiversity.

The Vineyard
The Palmento Caselle plot is located in Contrada Caselle, in the municipality of Milo (Etna East) at 750 meters above sea level. This micro-parcel is planted entirely with 100% ungrafted Carricante vines, grown as Alberello Etneo using chestnut stakes, an ancient local method. The vineyard has a high density of around 8,000 vines per hectare, with limited yields to ensure maximum expression of terroir and minerality.

Vinification and Ageing
Harvesting is done by hand in early October. The whole grapes are pressed directly and the must is naturally settled for about 30 hours. Indigenous yeasts (Pied de cuve) start fermentation, which lasts 15–20 days in stainless steel. Ageing continues for 6 months in steel tanks. No biotechnologies are used; all racking and bottling follow the lunar phases. Fining occurs naturally, with minimal filtration at bottling and low sulphur doses.

Technical Data

• Grape variety: 100% ungrafted Carricante

• Altitude: 750 m a.s.l.

• Density: 8,000 vines/ha

• Average yield: 1,000 liters/ha (approx. 1,700 bottles)

• Alcohol: 12%

• Total acidity: 7 g/l

• pH: 3.1

• Sulphur total: 50 mg/l (average)

• Harvest: early October

Tasting Notes
Bright straw yellow. The nose reveals citrus fruits, white flowers, and distinctive volcanic minerality. Fresh, savoury, balanced palate with long persistence. Pairs beautifully with seafood starters, shellfish, and Mediterranean cuisine.

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I Vigneri di Salvo Foti: history of heroic viticulture on Etna

I Vigneri di Salvo Foti was founded in 2001 thanks to the thirty years of experience of Salvo Foti, a Sicilian enologist and agronomist, who aimed to bring authenticity and sustainability back to Etna’s viticulture. Located in Milo, in the heart of the Etna area, the winery has become a benchmark for those seeking wines that express the true essence of the volcano, enhancing local traditions and respect for the environment.

Philosophy and vineyard practices at I Vigneri

The winery’s philosophy is based on sustainable and nature-respecting viticulture. The vineyards are cultivated using the traditional Alberello method, declared UNESCO heritage, which involves low-trained vines manually worked to preserve biodiversity and reduce environmental impact. The use of natural materials such as chestnut poles, natural fiber ropes, and local sheep manure completes a virtuous agricultural system where solar energy and manual labor are central, avoiding heavy machinery and plastics.

Winemaking approach: tradition and innovation

The cellar is located in an ancient 1840 lava stone palmento in Milo, where winemaking takes advantage of gravity to reduce energy use. Here the wines ferment spontaneously with indigenous yeasts and age in neutral containers such as used wood, concrete, and stainless steel to keep the unique character of the Etna terroir intact. This artisanal approach ensures natural wines that are a pure expression of the territory and the vintage.

Key wines from I Vigneri di Salvo Foti

Among the winery’s most appreciated wines are Nerello Mascalese, an elegant and mineral red; Carricante, a white with great freshness and complexity; and Minnella, a rare native variety that produces aromatic and vibrant wines. Each bottle results from meticulous work in vineyard and cellar, reflecting the strength and vitality of Mount Etna.