Pietradolce

Pietradolce is a producer from the Etna region, based in Solicchiata, on the northern slope of the volcano, in the Castiglione di Sicilia area. Its identity stems from its direct connection with a wine-growing landscape strongly shaped by lava, where the hamlets of Rampante, Zottorinotto, Santo Spirito and Feudo di Mezzo, together with Caselle on the eastern slope, give expression to the diverse character of Etna DOC in the vineyard. The vineyards are situated at altitudes of between approximately 650 and 950 metres, on sandy loam soils rich in minerals; the diversity of the plots helps to define wines with a distinct and deeply terroir-driven character. The cultivation focuses primarily on Carricante and Nerello Mascalese, indigenous varieties which find a natural environment on the volcano capable of enhancing their tension, finesse and savoury character. A significant proportion of the vineyards consists of pre-phylloxera vines trained using the ‘alberello’ method – a traditional feature of the Etna landscape – and managed using meticulous, artisanal methods. In the winery, the manual selection of the grapes leads to winemaking processes designed to preserve the precision and clarity of the raw material: fermentation in raw concrete tanks and the ageing of the reds in oak define a style that is essential, measured and faithful to its volcanic origins. This is how Pietradolce interprets the Etna region of Sicily, with wines characterised by an elegant structure, vibrant freshness and a minerality that evokes the lava rock and the energy of the terroir.