Faro 2017

Grape varieties: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Nocera

The 2017 vintage will probably be remembered as one of the hottest and driest in recent decades, perhaps comparable to 2003. The last rain they encountered in mid-February, only to arrive at harvest without any more precipitation. The harvest was therefore brought forward to the last ten days of September, with ripe and well-colored grapes. Despite the extremely hot and dry summer, the plants have completed their cycle without water stress and with an intact fruit, this testifies to the importance of the clay-rich soil that allows the vines to have a good water reserve. throughout the summer.

Classification: Faro – D.O.C.

Production area: Village of Faro Superiore – Messina, North – Eastern Sicily.

Altitude: 250 – 300 metres above sea level.

Farm system: The oldest vines are 80 years old and planted in Alberello style, the younger are 10 years old, trained in espalier system.

Age of the vineyard: from 10 to 80 years.

Density of planting: 5000 vines / hectare.

Soil type: Medium mixture characterized by layers of clay and tuff calcrete.

Farming method: Organic substances, such as green manure of legume are annually introduced into the soil; careful early pruning is carried out to possibly avoid or decrease antiparasitic treatment based on low doses of copper and sulphur; excess bunches of grapes are thinned out where necessary.

Yield per hectare: 60 Q.li.

Harvest: Manual harvesting of the grapes between the first and second decade of October.

Wine-making: Traditional red, long steeping of the skins for about 20 days at a temperature with frequent manual mixins.

Aging: About 24 months in oak barrels, ten months in bottle.

Production: About 7000 bottles.