Vigneri Salvo Foti
History and Background
I Vigneri di Salvo Foti, situated on the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, was founded in the early 2000s by Salvo Foti. The estate is known for its exceptional Nerello Mascalese and Carricante wines, which reflect the unique terroir of the region. I Vigneri's commitment to traditional winemaking practices and sustainability has quickly earned it a prestigious reputation among Italian wine producers.
Vineyards and Terroir
Vigneri Salvo Foti's vineyards are located on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, covering approximately 19 hectares:
- Soil Composition: The soils are predominantly volcanic, providing rich minerals and excellent drainage, and contributing to the intense minerality and complex flavor profiles of the wines.
- Grape Varieties: The estate primarily grows indigenous Sicilian varieties, including Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, and Carricante. These grapes produce red and white wines that reflect the unique volcanic terroir, characterized by their aromatic complexity and marked acidity.
Wine Style and Production
- Key Characteristics: Vigneri Salvo Foti's wines are renowned for their authenticity and reflection of their Sicilian heritage, displaying a distinct minerality due to the volcanic soils of Mt. Etna. These wines typically present a full body with a robust structure, characterized by vibrant acidity and moderate alcohol levels. Aromatically, they exhibit intense notes of ripe red fruits, herbs, and an earthy undertone, possibly complemented by floral hints depending on the vintage.
- Winemaking Philosophy: Salvo Foti adheres to a holistic winemaking approach, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Etna region but open to subtle innovations that respect the integrity of the vine and the environment. His philosophy embraces biodynamic principles and an artisanal approach to winemaking, focusing on indigenous grape varieties such as Nerello Mascalese for reds and Carricante for whites. The aim is to craft wines that are a true expression of the land and the culture of Etna.
- Influence on Style and Quality: The approach to vineyard management significantly influences the style and quality of Vigneri Salvo Foti’s wines. The vines are often trained using the traditional "alberello" bush-training system, which is labor-intensive but believed to contribute to higher grape quality. Organic farming practices, without the use of synthetic chemicals, ensure the health of the vineyard and the surrounding ecosystem. The hand-picked grapes are fermented with natural yeasts and minimal intervention, and aging typically occurs in large, neutral oak barrels or terracotta vessels to allow the characteristics of the grape and terroir to shine through. These methods culminate in wines that not only tell the story of their origins but are also praised for their integrity, balance, and longevity.
Reputation
Salvo Foti is a highly respected figure in the Sicilian wine scene, known for his deep commitment to traditional winemaking techniques and the preservation of indigenous Sicilian grape varieties. As a winemaker, oenologist, and vineyard consultant, Foti has been instrumental in shaping modern perceptions of Sicilian wine, particularly those from the Mount Etna region.
His reputation is built on a philosophy that emphasizes organic and biodynamic farming practices, minimal intervention in the winery, and a profound respect for the terroir. Salvo Foti, under the banner of his project Vigneri, works with a collective of growers and artisans called "I Vigneri," which he founded. This name is a nod to the ancient guild of vineyard workers in Etna, dating back to the 15th century. The group is dedicated to employing traditional methods such as using old bush vines, terracing steep volcanic slopes, and hand-harvesting grapes.
Foti's wines are celebrated for their authenticity and expressiveness, capturing the unique characteristics of the Etna terroir — mineral-rich soils, altitude, and indigenous varieties like Nerello Mascalese and Carricante. These elements collectively contribute to the distinctive, finely structured, and elegant wines associated with Foti's label.
In summary, Salvo Foti's prestige is tied to his role as a steward of Sicilian winemaking heritage, his advocacy for natural viticulture, and his ability to produce expressive, terroir-driven wines that resonate with both tradition and high quality.
Final Thoughts
Salvo Foti, the visionary behind Vigneri, is distinguished not just for his exceptional wines but also for his profound dedication to the traditional viticultural techniques of Sicily. Foti, revered as a maestro among local vintners, champions the indigenous grape varieties of the island, such as Nerello Mascalese and Carricante, nurturing them on the mineral-rich slopes of Mount Etna. His approach embraces organic and biodynamic practices, focusing on preserving the authenticity and purity of the terroir. Vigneri stands out as not just a winery but as a custodian of Sicilian winemaking heritage, with Foti's initiative to employ ancient methods like using handcrafted terracotta amphorae for fermentation, which underscores his commitment to sustainability and artisanal excellence. Through these practices, Salvo Foti not only crafts wines with profound depth and complexity but also contributes significantly to the environmental and cultural sustainability of Sicilian viticulture, sustaining the historical lineage and future of the region's unique wine-making traditions.