Conservative Restoration
We vinify by gravity, preserving the integrity of the grapes as much as possible.
The restoration of the ancient lava stone Palmento, an extraordinary testament to how viticulture held a central role in the productive fabric of the Etna territory
Traditional structure of the Etna territory
In Sicily, the Palmento represents the ancient winemaking locale situated next to the vineyards, a traditional structure of the Etna territory built in lava stone, still in use until the mid-20th century. In the Palmento, grapes were collected after the harvest and, through a multi-level system built following the terrain's morphology, they were pressed with feet (pista), guiding the musts to fill the barrels buried on the lower floors.
The term, of uncertain etymology, could refer to the pressing vat that was located in an elevated position relative to the floor (parmentu). The must thus proceeded through a system of stone channels (cannedda) towards the fermentation vats (ricivitùri) and then to the aging vats, which were located in a room below called ispensa, or the cellar.
The Conservative Restoration
A masterpiece of rural engineering and a landmark of productive life, the Palmento purchased by the Costanzo family has been the subject of a scrupulous conservative restoration. Respecting the multi-level structure, every technology has been adapted to maintain the ancient spirit of production, without distorting the available spaces. Where the pista (grape pressing area) once took place, today is the area for pressing and fermentation of the grapes, which occurs in truncated-conical oak vats.
On the lower level are the stainless steel tanks and the unique "orange" vat (cistern), a fermentation tank built vertically which, divided into segments, can simultaneously age different wines. Finally, on the ground floor, the barrel room has been maintained, where the precious Ovum barrels, made of French oak, are located. These barrels exploit convective motion to encourage a natural bâtonnage.
Every process proceeds by gravity, without the use of pumps for pump-overs, preserving the integrity of the grapes and their natural expressiveness from any type of mechanical forcing as much as possible.
1) SORTING BELT
2) CRUSHER
3) FERMENTATION VATS
truncated/conical oak vats.
4) FERMENTATION TANKS
In steel, custom-designed horizontally to optimize space. Of 30 and 50 Hectoliters
5) STAINLESS STEEL TANKS
6) “ARANCIA” TANK 100
hectoliters and custom-designed, it can contain 5 different types of wine, independently temperature-controlled.
7) AGING CELLAR/BARREL ROOM
With 30, 50 Hectoliter barrels and Ovum
