Palmento Costanzo
Sicily - Italy
The Winery
In the year 2000, Mimmo Costanzo and his wife, Valeria, purchased 7 visually stunning hectares in the Contrada Santo Spirito cru, pressed onto the north slope of Mt. Etna. As this terraced ‘moonscape’ lies partially within the Parco dell’Etna, the estate is actually part of a protected Unesco site. Ergo, while the Costanzo’s have added a few more hectares in the interim, nothing can be altered or changed over time. Their vines range in age from 7 to an incredible 120 years, with altitudes spanning 550 – 800 meters and roots diving down into vent-based, volcanic sands and lava-based basalt. At 8,000 vines per hectare, the plant density recalls Valle d’Aosta, with its packed terraces clinging onto steep slopes. Combined with picking by hand, organic farming, and low yields, this unique set of conditions helps to create some of the most astonishing wines in the Small Vineyards portfolio.
Baseline of all Palmento Costanzo’s red wines is the formidable Nerello Mascalese. A late-ripening varietal, this grape is known for taut, herbaceous flavors, along with high minerality and nuanced, earthy tones. Surprisingly, DNA suggests that it’s actually the once upon a time offspring of Sangiovese! Growing alongside it is Nerello Cappuccio, a ‘little brother’ that ripens slightly earlier, and whose color and perfume are used to soften the edges of Mascalese. Both clones of Nerello are high in natural acidity and possess pronounced "vertical" tannins, making a compare/contrast with old-fashioned Nebbiolo a fascinating exercise.
- Enologist
- Nicola Centonze
- Grapes Grown by Winery
- Carricante, Catarratto, Nerello Cappuccio, Nerello Mascalese
- Vineyard Size
- 14.0 ha
- Winemaker
- Mimmo Costanzo
- Winemaker Biography
- Making wine high on the side of an active volcano may not be everyone’s calling, but it suits Mimmo Costanzo to a ‘T’. Alongside his wife, Valeria, he creates wines with incredible, big-boned structure, intense minerality, and finesse. Ever committed to the environment, Mimmo has also all but effaced the estate’s carbon footprint.
- Winemaker Generation
- 1st
Bianco di Sei Bianco Etna DOC
Palmento Costanzo sets the bar high even for Etna, one of Italy's most visceral winemaking regions. With vines ranging 30-100 years of age, and 8000 plants per hectare at an average of 750, this is the creme de la creme! "Bianco di Sei" refers to "six", which is the top designation for volcanic activity, and is the top tier white from this estate. Intense and elegant, with an endless array of high altitude fruits, white blossoms, fresh herbs and a paradoxical freshness.
- Color
- Straw yellow
- Nose
- Subtropical fruit, with white flowers, sage and mint
- Palate
- Savory and full-bodied, yet fresh
- Finish
- Long and lingering
- Vineyard Location
- Etna DOC, Sicily
- Vineyard Size
- 10 ha
- Varietals List
-
90% Carricante
10% Catarratto - Farming Practices
- Organic (non-certified); grapes dry-farmed and picked by hand; advanced bioarchitecture ensures low carbon footprint
- Elevation
- 680 m
- Soils
- Basalt with brownish volcanic sands and lava stones
- Maturation Summary
- In Steel for 6 months and Bottled for 6 months
- In Steel
- 6 months
- Alcohol
- 12.0 %
- Acidity
- 6 g/liter
- Residual Sugar
- 1 g/liter
- Annual Production
- 30,000 bottles
Mofete Bianco Etna DOC
Located in Etna National Park, Palmento Costanzo is a natural glory to behold. With about 10 hectares of 30-120 year-old, bush-trained vineyards, it is situated on the steep, northern slopes of the volcano in Contrada Santo Spirito, close to Passopisciaro. Mofete Bianco is made with Carricante and Catarratto, and due to its basalt-based soil, has a mineral intensity that is awe-inspiring. Fruity and flowery on the nose, with yellow citrus pulp, balsamic and mineral hints. Fresh, long, and structured in the mouth.
- Color
- Medium straw yellow
- Nose
- Fragrant citrus and mineral notes, with hints of Mediterranean herbs
- Palate
- Lush, Sicilian fruit paired with an intense minerality
- Finish
- Mouth filling, long lasting
- Vineyard Location
- Etna DOC, Sicily
- Vineyard Size
- 10 ha
- Varietals List
-
70% Carricante
30% Catarratto - Farming Practices
- Organic (non-certified); grapes dry-farmed and picked by hand; advanced bioarchitecture ensures low carbon footprint
- Elevation
- 680-750 m
- Soils
- Basalt with brownish volcanic sands and lava stones
- Maturation Summary
- In Steel for 4 months and Bottled for 2 months
- In Steel
- 4 months
- Alcohol
- 12.0 %
- Acidity
- 5.5 g/liter
- Residual Sugar
- 1 g/liter
- Annual Production
- 30,000 bottles
Mofete Rosso Etna DOC
Palmento Costanzo is quickly making waves as a top boutique estate in Italy’s trendy Etna appellation. Located on northern slopes in the protected Etna National Park, the rosso vineyards are 5-30 years old. “Mofete” refers to the plumes of smoke from the volcano, and the basalt soils of Mt. Etna lend this bold wine a minerality that is uncommon for reds. The nose offers spicy wild herbs, dark fruit, and ash. The palate is vibrant and intense, with “vertical” tannins that stand at attention!
- Color
- Ruby red
- Nose
- Spicy, with hints of wild herbs, rose, and volcanic ash
- Palate
- Dark, juicy fruit with vertical tannins and a pronounced minerality
- Finish
- Full, bright, and structured finish
- Vineyard Location
- Etna DOC, Sicily
- Vineyard Size
- 10 ha
- Varietals List
-
80% Nerello Mascalese
20% Nerello Cappuccio - Farming Practices
- Organic (non-certified); grapes dry-farmed and picked by hand; advanced bioarchitecture ensures low carbon footprint
- Elevation
- 680-750 m
- Soils
- Basalt with brownish volcanic sands and lava stones
- Maturation Summary
- In large, neutral barrels for 6 months, in Steel 6 months and bottled 6 months
- In Steel
- 6 months
- Alcohol
- 13.5 %
- Acidity
- 5 g/liter
- Residual Sugar
- 1.8 g/liter
- Annual Production
- 30,000 bottles
Nero di Sei Rosso Etna DOC
Palmento Costanzo in Etna is a truly compelling estate in one of Italy's most exciting and visceral winemaking regions. With vines over 120 years old, 8000 vines planted per hectare, and 750 meters of altitude, this flagship wine makes the senses positively reel! Huge structure is softened by smooth tannins and layer upon layer of dark fruit and volcanic earth. Velvety, balanced and persistent, Nero di Sei is a sheer marvel on the palate.
- Color
- Intense ruby red
- Nose
- Dark berry and volcanic minerality
- Palate
- Prominent, smooth tannins and layer upon layer of dark fruit and earth
- Finish
- Long and complex, with hints of almond skin
- Vineyard Location
- Etna DOC, Sicily
- Vineyard Size
- 10 ha
- Varietals List
-
80% Nerello Mascalese
20% Nerello Cappuccio - Farming Practices
- Organic (non-certified); grapes dry-farmed and picked by hand; advanced bioarchitecture ensures low carbon footprint
- Elevation
- 680-750 m
- Soils
- Basalt with brownish volcanic sands and lava stones
- Maturation Summary
- In large French barrels for 24 months and bottled for 12 months
- Alcohol
- 14.0 %
- Acidity
- 5 g/liter
- Residual Sugar
- 1.8 g/liter
- Annual Production
- 36,000 bottles