Vigna di Milo 2022 I Vigneri di Salvo Foti

Vigna di Milo Carricante 2022 – I Vigneri di Salvo Foti

Company Description and History

Vigna di Milo Carricante 2022 is a white Etna DOC wine produced by I Vigneri di Salvo Foti, a project born from a passion for Etna’s native grape varieties and the preservation of ancient vine-growing and winemaking traditions. For over 20 years, Salvo Foti has dedicated himself to massal selection of the Carricante grape, creating authentic wines deeply connected to the volcanic territory, through organic farming and minimal intervention.

The Vineyard

The Vigna di Milo vineyard is located in the municipality of Milo, on the eastern slope of Mount Etna, at about 750 meters above sea level. The vines, many of which are own-rooted, are grown in the traditional Alberello Etneo training system with chestnut stakes from Etna. The density is about 8,000 vines per hectare on roughly 0.50 hectares, ensuring low yields and maximum mineral expression of Carricante.

Vinification and Ageing

Harvest is done by hand between late September and early October. Grapes are gently whole-bunch pressed with natural static settling of the must for about 24–30 hours. Alcoholic fermentation takes place spontaneously with native yeasts (Pied de cuve) in stainless steel tanks and lasts 15–20 days. Ageing continues for 6–8 months in steel tanks. Clarification occurs naturally by decanting, with no biotechnologies; racking and bottling follow lunar phases. Minimal filtration takes place only at bottling, and sulphur dioxide is added in very low doses.

Technical Details

• Grape variety: 100% Carricante own-rooted

• Altitude: 750 m a.s.l.

• Planting density: 8,000 vines/ha

• Average yield: approx. 3,000 L/ha (about 2,500 bottles 0.75 L)

• Alcohol: 12.5%

• Total acidity: 7 g/L

• pH: 3.1

• Total sulphites: 50–60 mg/L

• Harvest period: late September – early October

Tasting Notes

Vigna di Milo Carricante 2022 shows a bright straw yellow colour. The nose is fine and complex, with notes of fresh citrus, aromatic herbs and a clear volcanic minerality. On the palate it is tense, fresh and savoury, with vibrant acidity and a persistent, elegant finish. Ideal with raw seafood, shellfish, white fish 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.