2014 Castello Solicchiata Pinot Nero Sicilia IGT (Adrano, Etna)

From the historic vineyards of the Spitaleri family, produced outside of the Etna DOC in the commune of Adrano. Etna's wine historic production zone was actually on the West slopes, which now lie outside of the appellation. 

Felice Spitaleri brought back Pinot Noir cuttings form France in the mid 19thc and the family has continued to propagate from these vines, some of the vines the original 1855 plantings. 

Etna's almost alpine like environment makes it a cool climate zone, where international grapes like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir thrive. Rather than rip up these historic vines, the family has chosen to continue the production, and therefore continue Etna's experimental and renegade winemaking past. 

Terraced vineyards with alberello (bush) training at 1000 / 1200m a.s.l.. Hand harvested with a production of less than 180 grams of grapes per plant. After maceration in conical oak tanks, it ripens for over two years in barriques of French oak (Allier and Tronçais) and then for three years in the bottle.