Girolamo Russo

The Russo family hails from Passopisciaro, a village on Etna’s northern slope that has become central to the revival of one of Sicily’s most important indigenous grapes: Nerello Mascalese. The estate spreads across 26 hectares of volcanic soils at altitudes ranging from 650 to 780 meters, encompassing vineyards, olive trees, and hazelnut groves. Many of the bush vines are over 80 years old, thriving in the black, mineral-rich soils unique to the volcano.

The cultivation on Etna is labour-intensive. Vines are often planted on narrow terraces held by dry-stone walls, trained as bush vines (alberello), and meticulously pruned, hoed, and tied by hand. This traditional care ensures that each vine reaches its perfect balance in these challenging conditions.

For Giuseppe, winemaking is a lifelong journey. Though he once followed his father through the vineyards as a child, it was only after Girolamo’s death that he fully embraced his destiny: making world-class wines in an extraordinary, demanding landscape, a home that has nurtured his family for generations.

Over the past decade, Sicilian wine has undergone a remarkable transformation.

The region evolve from a region known for bulk production to one celebrated for its quality, sustainability, and distinctiveness. This renaissance is attributed to the fact that local producers embrace indigenous varieties such as Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese, Frappato, Carricante, and Grillo. These grapes, once overshadowed by international varieties, now define the island’s wine identity.

The volcanic soils of Mount Etna have become synonymous with exceptional wine production. Grapes like Nerello Mascalese and Carricante thrive in this unique terroir, producing wines that rival those from renowned regions like Burgundy and the Moselle.

The focus has shifted from high yields to lower, quality over quantity, more controlled production, emphasising quality. This approach has resulted in wines that are more expressive of their terroir and have garnered international acclaim. With that, Sicilian wines have started to gain global recognition, with producers receiving numerous awards and accolades.