Here you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about Restivo Wine and Etna’s unique terroir: an extraordinary region where volcanic soils, altitude, and climate create authentic wines deeply rooted in the volcano.
What makes the wines produced in Contrada Arcurìa by Restivo Wine unique?
The Arcurìa district, on the northern slope of Etna, enjoys a unique microclimate: protected by the Nebrodi Mountains to the north and influenced by the volcano to the south.
At an altitude of 600 meters and with soil rich in lava minerals, Restivo Wine's wines develop a distinctive personality, great elegance, and a minerality typical of volcanic soil.
What are the main grape varieties grown by Restivo Wine?
Restivo Wine's production is divided between red grapes (40%) and white grapes (60%). The main grape varieties are Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Pinot Noir, Carricante, Chardonnay, and Catarratto. This selection represents the excellence of Etna's winemaking tradition.
How does Restivo's experience in the world of fine jewelry and watches influence wine production?
Francesco Restivo Graci brings to the world of wine a culture of beauty and excellence rooted in four generations of family tradition. This legacy translates into an approach focused on attention to detail and the constant pursuit of creating unique pieces. In the vineyard, this is reflected in the meticulous management of each individual row and the choice to plant plots in different Contrade (districts), each endowed with a distinct and unmistakable volcanic character. From this harmony comes a collection of wines that express the terroir of the Contrade: elegant, precious, and unique, like their origins.
What vine training systems are used on the farm?
We use two main systems to ensure the highest quality: the Etna bush vine system, with a density of 8,000 vines per hectare for superior yields, and the espalier system, with 5,050 vines per hectare. These methods allow the roots to fully explore the mineral soil of Castiglione di Sicilia and Randazzo.
Is it possible to visit the Restivo Wine estate on Etna?
Yes, the winery extends across 56 hectares in the municipalities of Castiglione di Sicilia and Randazzo. Tours offer an immersive experience in the volcanic landscape of Northern Etna, allowing you to experience firsthand the connection between the lava soil, the historic vineyards, and Restivo Wine's production philosophy.
What is the size and distribution of Restivo Wine's vineyards?
The company occupies a total of 56 hectares, most of which is located in the prestigious Contrada Arcurìa. Currently, 14 hectares of vineyards are in production, with plans already underway to reach a total of 40 hectares, integrating historic vineyards and new, top-quality plantings.
What is the difference between the estate's red and white wines?
Restivo Wine's production is balanced to offer the best of the Etna terroir: 40% is dedicated to red grapes, primarily Nerello Mascalese with small percentages of Nerello Cappuccio and Pinot Noir. The remaining 60% is white grapes, divided between Carricante, Chardonnay, and Catarratto, grape varieties that draw distinctive freshness and flavor from the volcanic soil.
How is planting density managed in vineyards?
We adopt high-density vines to promote grape quality: our bush-trained vines have 8,000 vines per hectare, while our espalier-trained vines have 5,050. This allows the vines to compete with each other, sending their roots deep into Etna's mineral soil.
Why is the microclimate of Castiglione di Sicilia ideal for Restivo Wine?
Our vineyards, located at 600 meters above sea level, enjoy a privileged position: protected to the north by the Nebrodi Mountains and to the south by the imposing Mount Etna. This natural barrier creates an ideal microclimate with temperature variations that favor the synthesis of aromas and the distinctive personality typical of high-quality wines.
When was the Restivo Wine project born and what is its philosophy?
Born in 2019, the Restivo Wine project represents the realization of a latent dream for Francesco Restivo Graci: breathing new life into a winemaking legacy rooted in the family's history for decades, yet long forgotten. The company's philosophy is born from this intertwining of memory and vision: a deep connection to the volcanic soil of Etna combined with an aesthetic of excellence, where every detail becomes an expression of beauty and rigor. This vision takes shape in the Contrade project, a journey to enhance the diverse terroirs of Etna through a selection of plots located in distinctive areas on the northern slope. Each Contrada expresses a unique soul, revealing distinct mineral, aromatic, and identity nuances.
Thus, the company celebrates the family's past with a contemporary approach, transforming every glass into a tale of precision, elegance, and authenticity.