Giovanni Sallemi

Beneath the surface of our wine lies a tale of family: a narrative of decisions, trials, and learning from mistakes that has guided us through the years. It's a story of generational shifts and the journey from one place to another. As a child of four, I, Giovanni, would help my father crush grapes in his mill, learning the trade from an early age. Our vineyard in Granieri, nestled in the heart of Caltagirone, was established back in the 1970s by my grandfather, who ventured from Vittoria to seek out fertile soil. He planted various grape varieties on land he acquired from Baron Silvestri, laying the foundation for our family's winemaking legacy. However, not all our ventures were met with success. A plot of land in Petrascritta, despite its promise, yielded wine that turned to vinegar come April, forcing us to part ways with it. Undeterred, my father, Francesco, carefully selected our current plot, situated high on the hills, basking in the sun's warmth. My personal journey began in 2015 when I decided to take our house wine beyond the borders of Sicily, in honor of my late father. We embarked on this venture with a commitment to traditional methods: organic farming practices, meticulous handpicking, and fermentation in concrete tanks using natural yeast. The aging process, crucial to the development of our wine's character, takes place either in aged oak barrels or stainless steel tanks, where the wine is protected and nurtured. In 2022, a significant milestone was achieved as we obtained organic certification, a testament to our dedication to sustainable winemaking practices. It's a step forward in our mission to share our wine with a wider audience, inviting those who appreciate not only the taste but also the stories woven into every bottle.