Aurora 2023 I Vigneri di Salvo Foti

Aurora 2023 – I Vigneri di Salvo Foti

Vineyard philosophy

Aurora 2023 comes from Salvo Foti’s vision and the work of I Vigneri, a group devoted to sustainable viticulture on Mount Etna. The vineyards are cultivated with traditional methods, using Etnean bush vines supported by chestnut poles, the result of more than twenty years of careful massal selection. The Carricante grapes grow on volcanic soils rich in minerals, at high altitude, giving the wine freshness and elegance.

Cellar approach

In the cellar, Aurora 2023 is crafted without industrial shortcuts: whole bunches are softly pressed and the must undergoes natural static decantation. Fermentation is spontaneous in stainless steel, thanks to native yeasts prepared with the pied de cuve method. The wine matures for about six months in steel tanks, with minimal intervention, no biotechnologies, and all racking and bottling follow the lunar phases. Every step preserves the authentic expression of Etna’s Carricante.

Tasting notes

The colour is bright straw yellow with greenish hints.
The nose reveals fresh citrus notes, wild herbs and a distinct mineral nuance.
On the palate it is vibrant, fresh, savoury, with a long, clean finish echoing the volcanic stone.

Technical sheet

• Grape variety: 100% Carricante

• Altitude: about 750 m a.s.l.

• Training system: Etnean bush vine

• Fermentation: Spontaneous with native yeasts

• Ageing: 6 months in steel

• Alcohol: 12%

• Average production: about 2,500 bottles

• Total sulphites: about 50 mg/l

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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.