Castello di Solicchiata Etna Sicilia 2012 - a synthesis of the historic Etna winemaking and the classic Bordeaux style in the volcanic landscape of Sicily. This wine is born on the slopes of Etna, where black volcanic soils, a high-altitude climate and large daily temperature fluctuations give the wine freshness, structure and mineral depth. The name Castello di Solicchiata has a special meaning in Sicily - it is one of the oldest and historically most important places of Etna winemaking, associated with the first Italian Bordeaux-style blends.
The aroma reveals notes of ripe black currants, prunes, tobacco, cedar, leather and volcanic ash. The years of maturation have given the wine additional complexity - layers of dried herbs, licorice, black pepper and subtle tones of the forest floor are felt.
The wine is structured, concentrated and elegantly mature. Firm but polished tannins are combined with the well-maintained acidity typical of the Etna region. The aftertaste retains the impression of black berries, spices, graphite and volcanic minerality. This is a mature wine that combines southern concentration and mountain freshness.
The vineyards are located at an altitude of 800-1000 meters above sea level, on volcanic terraces on the slopes of Etna. Such conditions allow for slow ripening and give the wine exceptional aromatic tension and longevity. The history of Castello di Solicchiata dates back to the 19th century, when the classic Bordeaux varieties – ‘Cabernet Franc’, ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ and ‘Merlot’ were planted here. The wine is fermented in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for about 2 years and 4 years in the bottle.
Serving recommendation: at a temperature of 16–18 °C with grilled beef tenderloin steak, duck with black cherry sauce or mature hard cheese.
Castello Solicchiata is one of the most historically important names in Etna winemaking, combining the volcanic terroir of Sicily with the 19th century Bordeaux winemaking traditions. The winery is located on the northern slopes of Etna, in the vicinity of Castiglione di Sicilia, where the high-altitude climate, black volcanic soils and wide temperature fluctuations shape wines of an extremely elegant and long-lasting style.
The history of the farm begins in the mid-19th century, when Baron Felice Spitaleri di Muglia planted ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’, ‘Cabernet Franc’, ‘Merlot’ and ‘Pinot Noir’ varieties in the Etna region – a revolutionary step in Sicily at the time. Castello Solicchiata is considered one of the first Italian farms to start producing Bordeaux-style blends according to the French winemaking model. This historical direction has survived to this day and has become the winery’s distinctive identity.
The vineyards are located at an altitude of 700-1000 meters above sea level on old volcanic terraces. These conditions allow for slow ripening of the grapes, natural acidity and subtle minerality, which are the hallmarks of Castello Solicchiata wines. Although Etna is today most often associated with local varieties, this winery stands out precisely for its interpretation of international varieties in volcanic terroir.
Castello Solicchiata wines are often described as aristocratic, ripe Sicilian reds – less fruit-based and more structured, fresh and complex. They are not only influenced by the Sicilian sun, but also by the elegance of the mountain climate and the tension of volcanic origin.
In recent years, the winery has been developed and internationally distributed by Planeta, one of the most famous Sicilian winemaking families, helping to reintroduce the Castello Solicchiata name to a global audience.
