The ancient Greeks knew Etna was special. They populated it with Cyclopes—one-eyed giants who worked in the volcano's belly forging weapons for the gods. The most famous, Polyphemus, lived in a lava cave above the sea, hopelessly in love with Galatea, watching the waves from his mountain perch. It's this duality, mountain and sea, that makes Etna's wines unforgettable.
Three childhood friends understood this. After university took them around the world, that ancient Greek concept of nòstos—the journey home—pulled them back. In 2020, three college buddies, Giacomo, Giordano, and Riccardo, founded Tenuta dei Ciclopi to reclaim their winemaking roots as natives of Etna.
They chose their mentor wisely. Salvo Foti is to Etna what Gaja is to Barbaresco—the master who sees what's possible and makes it real. Credited with Etna's viticultural rebirth, Foti understands these ancient vineyards like no one else. Under his guidance, they work parcels in Castiglione di Sicilia and Randazzo on Etna's north face, where the 1981 eruption left fresh lava scars just meters from their vines.
The viticulture here defies belief. At elevations up to 943 meters, many vines predate phylloxera—they're still on their original roots, drinking volcanic minerals through the same channels their ancestors used centuries ago.
The 2022 Rosso blends 80% Nerello Mascalese with 20% Nerello Cappuccio, fermented in open vats for eight days, then split between steel tanks and old barrels. No filtration, six months bottle age before release. Here comes the bright fruit and citrus lifted by volcanic minerality, tobacco and mint, black pepper and clove, all wrapped in silky tannins that could only come from ancient vines in volcanic sand.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT
The Salvo Foti Factor: When Etna's winegrowing guru makes your wine, you're getting the master class. Foti knows every contrada, every old vine, every secret corner of these vineyards.
Mythology Made Real: From vines growing where Cyclopes forged lightning, on lava flows from 1981, at elevations where grapes shouldn't ripen but somehow do. This is wine as legend.
The Nòstos Story: Three successful friends gave up global careers to return home and make wine. This wine is imbued with that passion and pride about their home.
Ungrafted Ancient Vines: At 943 meters, phylloxera never arrived. These vines drink through their original roots, creating complexity modern plantings can't match.
HOW TO SERVE IT
Serve at 58-60°F—cool enough to preserve the bright fruit and volcanic freshness.
Drink now through 2032. While gorgeous today with its bright fruit and spice, Nerello Mascalese from sites this special develops Burgundian complexity with age.
Perfect with grilled branzino or swordfish (Sicily meets the sea), wild mushrooms (earth meets earth), or anything with Mediterranean herbs. The volcanic minerality makes it incredibly food-friendly.
