Palmento Costanzo, Etna Bianco DOC, Contrada Cavaliere

About Palmento Costanzo

Palmento Costanzo is a family-owned winery situated on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, Sicily’s celebrated volcanic region. Established in 2010 by Mimmo and Valeria Costanzo, the estate is dedicated to reviving the ancient winemaking traditions of Etna while embracing modern sustainability practices. Their vineyards, covering approximately 18 hectares, are located in Contrada Santo Spirito, Passopisciaro, at altitudes ranging from 600 to 800 meters above sea level. This high elevation, combined with mineral-rich volcanic soils and dramatic temperature variations, creates an ideal terroir for cultivating indigenous grape varieties.

The estate’s vineyards are planted with native Etna varieties, primarily Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio for reds, and Carricante and Catarratto for whites. Many of the vines are pre-phylloxera and ungrafted, some exceeding 100 years in age, lending a unique character and complexity to the wines. The vineyard management follows organic principles, with a strong focus on preserving the natural biodiversity and ecosystem of the land. All work in the vineyard, including harvesting, is done by hand to ensure the highest quality fruit selection.

Palmento Costanzo’s winery is housed in a meticulously restored 19th-century palmento, a traditional Etnean winemaking structure. The restoration process preserved the original basalt stone architecture, seamlessly integrating modern winemaking technology while respecting the historical significance of the building. The winery operates with a gravity-flow system, minimizing mechanical intervention and allowing for gentle handling of the grapes throughout the production process.

The winemaking philosophy at Palmento Costanzo centers on minimal intervention, aiming to express the unique characteristics of the Etna terroir. Fermentations are spontaneous, relying on indigenous yeasts, and aging occurs in a combination of stainless steel, large neutral oak barrels, and concrete tanks. This approach ensures the preservation of the grapes’ natural aromas and flavors, resulting in wines that are both elegant and expressive of their volcanic origins.

The estate produces a focused range of wines, including Etna Rosso DOC, Etna Bianco DOC, and several single-vineyard bottlings. The Etna Rosso, crafted mainly from Nerello Mascalese with a touch of Nerello Cappuccio, is known for its finesse, delicate tannins, and vibrant minerality. The Etna Bianco, based on Carricante, displays crisp acidity, floral notes, and a distinct saline finish. Limited-production cru wines showcase the diversity of the estate’s old vines and varying volcanic soils, offering depth and complexity for collectors and enthusiasts.

Palmento Costanzo is deeply committed to environmental stewardship and cultural heritage. The estate has earned organic certification and implements sustainable practices such as solar energy use, water conservation, and the maintenance of ancient dry-stone terraces. The Costanzo family is also active in promoting the local community and Etna’s winemaking culture, hosting educational tours, tastings, and events that highlight the region’s rich history and natural beauty.

Through a combination of respect for tradition, dedication to quality, and a forward-thinking approach to sustainability, Palmento Costanzo has established itself as a leading producer in the Etna region. Their wines capture the essence of Sicily’s volcanic landscape, offering a distinctive and authentic expression of one of Italy’s most dynamic wine territories.