Website: https://www.palmentocostanzo.com/en/
I am exceptionally thrilled about this producer, arguably crafting some of the most exquisite wines on the island. They implement organic farming, including some biodynamic methodologies, across a substantial span of 18 hectares containing 11 Contrada. This establishment has even undertaken the restoration of an age-old cellar, revamping it to meet extreme quality standards. This includes a unique lava stone palmento, and the winery’s arrangement allows all transfers to happen by gravity. It was a preservationist restoration, keeping as much of the ancient cellar intact.
The Constanzo family piloted this endeavor with their inaugural vine purchase in 2010, with 2011 marking their virgin vintage.
Palmento Costanzo Bianco di Sei 2021 Etna, Sicily
Comprising 90% Cariccante and 10% Catarrato, exclusively stainless steel containers. Vibrant, elucidated and mineral-imbued accompanied by exquisite focus on the citrus fruit. Enjoys some heft and precision, showcasing a lively character. Rated 93/100
Palmento Costanzo Contada Santo Spirito Bianco 2021 Etna, Sicily
Composed of 90% Catarrato and 10% Carricante, with 20% matured in 5000 litre oak barrels and 80% in stainless steel. The wine is lively and juicy with a lovely mineral twist to the citrus and pear fruit with a hint of almond. Its precision is highlighted with a touch of lime on the finish. Rated 94/100.
Palmento Costanzo Contrada Cavalière Bianco 2021 Etna, Sicily
Sourced from sandy soils at an altitude of 1000m. The wine displays a full yellow colour. The nose offers a wonderful depth defined by mineral, focused and toasty aromas accompanied with hints of spice and pear. The acidity works perfectly with the lively pear and peach notes and the slightly exotic fruit flavours whilst also delivering fine mineral qualities. Rated 94/100.
Palmento Costanzo Nero de Sei Rosso 2020 Etna, Sicily
This is a blend of 90% Nerello Mascalese and 10% Nerello Cappuccio, fermented for 15 days in Austrian tronconic vats and then aged for 2 years in large Stockinger ovals. The result is a fine, supple and elegant wine with a nice fine red cherry fruit content, some plum notes, and a smooth texture. The finish is stony and mineral here, greatly balanced. An extremely fine wine. Given 94/100.
Palmento Costanzo Contrada Santo Spirito Rosso 2018 Etna, Sicily
A blend of 90% Nerello Mascalese and 10% Nerello Cappuccio, harvested from 120-year-old vines. The ferment is 20 days in tronconic barrels followed by maturation in Taransaud wooden egg. The result is a rounded and textural wine with notes of red cherries, herbs and almonds. It is mellow and finely spiced with lovely weight. A fine, expressive and elegant wine rated at 95/100.
See: the main Etna page