The Tascante estate
Mount Etna works its magic on anyone who knows it. The fascinating lie of the land, the abundance, the effects of successive lava streams and the age-old experience of the people who work this territory make it irresistible. Before establishing a foothold here, we studied the whole DOC zone in all its many aspects for more than a decade, experimenting with making wines from grapes sourced from all over. But it was the Nerello Mascalese variety which most impressed us. Grown on lava soil on the slopes of the volcano, Nerello has tannins and low anthocyonins reminiscent of Nebbiolo from the Langhe or Pinot Noir from Burgundy, and it shares their rich perfumes.
So we began our search, chatting to local smallholders, and quite by chance, we came across Tenuta Boccadorzo, which emerged from the landscape like a Mayan pyramid. Its six hectares are surrounded by drystone walls dating from the late 19th century. Dazzling sunlight drenches a series of interconnecting terraces. Not far away, concealed by a copse of chestnut and downy oak, a moss-covered gate led to a walled vineyard: Tenuta Sciaranova. It was harvest time. We plucked a handful of grapes and and it was love at first taste: the Tascante project was born. These two land parcelsor 'contradas' - totalling 21 hectares - are the star turns of a small but very special wine zone between the towns of Castiglione and Randazzo.
Limited as it is, the area hosts a high concentration of producers; results are compared and contrasted immediately, generating healthy competition. The energy is palpable. As for the name, we tried playing with Tasca and Etna and came up with Tascante. In 2008, we had our first harvest.
12 hectares of vines
750 meters above sea level
So we began our search, chatting to local smallholders, and quite by chance, we came across Tenuta Boccadorzo, which emerged from the landscape like a Mayan pyramid. Its six hectares are surrounded by drystone walls dating from the late 19th century. Dazzling sunlight drenches a series of interconnecting terraces. Not far away, concealed by a copse of chestnut and downy oak, a moss-covered gate led to a walled vineyard: Tenuta Sciaranova. It was harvest time. We plucked a handful of grapes and and it was love at first taste: the Tascante project was born. These two land parcelsor 'contradas' - totalling 21 hectares - are the star turns of a small but very special wine zone between the towns of Castiglione and Randazzo.
Limited as it is, the area hosts a high concentration of producers; results are compared and contrasted immediately, generating healthy competition. The energy is palpable. As for the name, we tried playing with Tasca and Etna and came up with Tascante. In 2008, we had our first harvest.
12 hectares of vines
750 meters above sea level
To sleep
This enchanted land on the slopes of Mount Etna – its black volcanic sands contrasting sharply with the deep greens of the nearby Alcantara Gorge – exudes a strange energy. It has long been considered prime grape-growing territory, producing wines reminiscent of those of Piedmont and Burgundy. Located in a chestnut wood at an altitude of 750m, within the Etna nature reserve and surrounded by ancient lava flows, our estate here sits in one of the world's most unusual ecosystems.
We do not provide accommodation on our Tascante estate but are more than happy to help with suggestions for alternative lodgings to ensure that your visit to the slopes of Etna is fascinating and relaxing.
8 May 2013
Experience the Greatest Wines of Italy! May 8 & 9, St. Bart's, 325 Park Ave, New York, NY 10022 JamesSuckling.com and Zachys invite you to one of the greatest Italian wine events ever, featuring a...
