Castello Solicchiata
Castello di Solicchiata is an ancient and pioneering winemaking reality from Etna, the first in Italy to produce a Bordeaux blend vinified using the French method. The bond between the Spilateri family, owners of the estate, and wine has very ancient roots, dating back to the 14th century. In 1852, Baron Felice Spilateri founded the current winery in the Feudo di Solicchiata, just a few kilometers from the town of Adrano, putting into practice what he learned during his travels in France. By vinifying Bordeaux varieties, the estate quickly achieved great success, so much so that in 1890 it became the official supplier to the Royal House of Savoy. The symbol of the winery is the homonymous castle, a legendary and imposing medieval-style structure built from lava stone by Felice Spitaleri at nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, surrounded by a moat and a drawbridge. Built on the model of Bordeaux Châteaux, the castle served as a great and prestigious winery completely autonomous, equipped with the best technologies for the production of great wines, so much so that it was awarded the royal coat of arms for the oenological progress of the Kingdom of Italy. Today, the estate is led by Baron Arnaldo Spilateri, who has been credited with renewing the winemaking production, bringing the winery back to its former glory, personally taking care of the oenological aspect.
The vineyard heritage of Castello di Solicchiata extends over terraces at the foot of the structure, where the Bordeaux varieties Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon dominate, alongside plots of Pinot Nero reserved for the highest altitudes and the coolest climates in the Feudo del Boschetto. The plants, trained as bush vines, benefit from the high altitudes, which reach nearly 1,200 meters above sea level, as well as from the volcanic origin of the soils, made up of sands and lapilli and particularly rich in mineral elements. The harvest is carried out strictly by hand and in the winery, fermentations take place in truncated cone-shaped oak vats, followed by prolonged aging in French oak barriques from Allier and Tronçais.
The wines of Castello di Solicchiata successfully and surprisingly harmonizes the style of Bordeaux wines and the volcanic soul of Etna, configuring itself as original expressions of the territory.
Castello di Solicchiata is an ancient and pioneering winemaking reality from Etna, the first in Italy to produce a Bordeaux blend vinified using the French method. The bond between the Spilateri family, owners of the estate, and wine has very ancient roots, dating back to the 14th century. In 1852, Baron Felice Spilateri founded the current winery in the Feudo di Solicchiata, just a few kilometers from the town of Adrano, putting into practice what he learned during his travels in France. By vinifying Bordeaux varieties, the estate quickly achieved great success, so much so that in 1890 it became the official supplier to the Royal House of Savoy. The symbol of the winery is the homonymous castle, a legendary and imposing medieval-style structure built from lava stone by Felice Spitaleri at nearly 1,000 meters above sea level, surrounded by a moat and a drawbridge. Built on the model of Bordeaux Châteaux, the castle served as a great and prestigious winery completely autonomous, equipped with the best technologies for the production of great wines, so much so that it was awarded the royal coat of arms for the oenological progress of the Kingdom of Italy. Today, the estate is led by Baron Arnaldo Spilateri, who has been credited with renewing the winemaking production, bringing the winery back to its former glory, personally taking care of the oenological aspect.
The vineyard heritage of Castello di Solicchiata extends over terraces at the foot of the structure, where the Bordeaux varieties Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon dominate, alongside plots of Pinot Nero reserved for the highest altitudes and the coolest climates in the Feudo del Boschetto. The plants, trained as bush vines, benefit from the high altitudes, which reach nearly 1,200 meters above sea level, as well as from the volcanic origin of the soils, made up of sands and lapilli and particularly rich in mineral elements. The harvest is carried out strictly by hand and in the winery, fermentations take place in truncated cone-shaped oak vats, followed by prolonged aging in French oak barriques from Allier and Tronçais.
The wines of Castello di Solicchiata successfully and surprisingly harmonizes the style of Bordeaux wines and the volcanic soul of Etna, configuring itself as original expressions of the territory.
