Barone di Villagrande is one of Sicily’s most historic estates, with records of winemaking dating back to 1727. For ten generations, the Nicolosi family has stewarded this property in Milo on the southeastern slopes of Mount Etna, making it the longest continuously operating winery on the volcano. In fact, Barone di Villagrande was among the first producers to bottle wines under the Etna DOC when the denomination was created in 1968. Today, the estate remains a reference point for both Etna Bianco and Etna Rosso, combining traditional methods with sustainable viticulture and organic certification.

The estate’s vineyards cover about twenty hectares spread across Contrada Villagrande, Monte Arso, and Monte Ilice. All three sites sit between 600 and 750 meters above sea level, where the climate is Mediterranean yet tempered by altitude and the cooling breezes of both the sea and the volcano. The soils here are entirely volcanic in origin — sandy ash, basalt, and pumice deposited by centuries of eruptions. These porous, mineral-rich soils force vines to dig deep, producing low yields but wines of striking character. High elevation and dramatic day-to-night temperature shifts ensure bright acidity, aromatic complexity, and a style that is at once elegant and enduring.

Contrada Villagrande, the heart of the estate, is the only recognized zone for Etna Bianco Superiore. Its southeast-facing terraces produce wines of crystalline purity, driven by Carricante’s taut acidity and a salty, mineral finish that allows them to age for many years. Monte Ilice, by contrast, is a steep volcanic cone whose loose basaltic sands yield Nerello Mascalese of elegance and lift — red berries, florals, and linear structure define the wines from this dramatic site. Monte Arso, born of ancient lava flows, gives a darker, more savory interpretation. The Nerello Mascalese from this contrada shows cherries, spice, licorice, and volcanic smoke wrapped in firm structure and energy.

Together, these vineyards reflect the broader mosaic of Etna. Rising over 3,300 meters, Mount Etna is Europe’s highest active volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each eruption leaves behind soils of different ages and compositions, carving out the patchwork of contrade that are now likened to Burgundy’s climats. Here, Carricante and Nerello Mascalese find their truest expression: whites that are sharp, mineral, and long-lived, and reds often compared to Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir for their pale color, fine tannins, and capacity to age. Barone di Villagrande, with nearly three centuries of continuity, remains one of the estates most capable of telling Etna’s story through its vineyards and its wines.

The wines from the tasting lineup.  The regional Etna Bianco and Rosso are lovely mosaics of the regional character of Etna, both approachable, quaffable, Each is priced at 32/Bottle.

The Contrada bottlings are some of the most terroir expressive wines that you will find anywhere in Etna.  They are a significant step up in complexity from the Etna bottlings, The Contrada wines are elegantly structured, with amazing freshness, impressive length, and long aging potential.  Each Contrada bottling is 59/Bottle.

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Choose any 2 bottles for a 10% Discount, any 3 for a 15% Discount.

Barone di Villagrande Etna Bianco 2023

The Etna Bianco from Barone di Villagrande captures the freshness and minerality that define white wines from Mount Etna. Made primarily from Carricante grown on the volcanic slopes around Milo, this wine offers bright citrus, green apple, and mountain herb aromas. The palate is taut and linear, driven by vibrant acidity and a chalky, saline backbone that carries through the finish. Refreshing and versatile, it is a perfect companion to seafood, young cheeses, and vegetable antipasti.
Reviews: Recent 2023 Etna Bianco releases from Villagrande and peers have scored in the 91–92 point range with Wine Advocate and James Suckling.

32/Bottle

Barone di Villagrande Etna Bianco Superiore “Contrada Villagrande” 2023

From Milo’s historic Contrada Villagrande, this Etna Bianco Superiore represents the pinnacle of Carricante on Etna. At 700 meters on southeast-facing terraces, the vineyards produce low yields of exceptional quality. The wine combines floral notes, white pear, almond, and flint with a palate of brisk acidity and saline minerality. Aged in large oak and rested in bottle before release, it shows both immediate elegance and the ability to evolve over time, gaining depth and complexity with age. This is a white of structure and persistence, well-suited to shellfish, risotto, and mature cheeses.

Reviews: James Suckling awarded the 2023 vintage 94 points, praising its complexity and long-lived potential.

59/Bottle

Barone di Villagrande Etna Rosso 2023

The Etna Rosso is Barone di Villagrande’s classic expression of Nerello Mascalese, with a touch of Nerello Cappuccio. Grown on volcanic soils at elevations between 600 and 750 meters, the wine is marked by red cherry, strawberry, and rose petal aromatics. On the palate, fine tannins, fresh acidity, and a smoky mineral backbone create balance and refinement. Its versatile, elegant profile makes it ideal for roasted poultry, charcuterie, tomato-based pastas, and grilled vegetables.

Reviews: The 2023 has not yet been scored, but typical Etna Rosso bottlings from Villagrande receive 89–91 points across leading critics.

32/Bottle

Barone di Villagrande Etna Rosso “Contrada Monte Ilice” 2023

From the steep, sandy basalt slopes of Monte Ilice, this cru showcases Nerello Mascalese at its most lifted and elegant. The site’s volcanic cone, with its decomposed lava soils and dramatic exposure, yields wines of aromatic finesse and bright fruit character. The 2023 vintage offers aromas of strawberries, cherries, violets, and flint, while the palate is linear, precise, and supported by fine tannins. The finish is long and mineral, emphasizing purity over power. This wine is an excellent match for roasted pork, lamb, mushroom-based dishes, and aged cheeses.
Reviews: Historical releases of Monte Ilice have earned around 90 points, praised for their multilayered fruit and refined structure.

59/Bottle

Barone di Villagrande Etna Rosso “Contrada Monte Arso” 2023

Monte Arso’s ancient lava soils give this cru its distinct power and savory depth. The Nerello Mascalese grown here expresses sour cherry, red currant, rose petal, and licorice on the nose, while the palate shows invigorating acidity, juicy red fruit, and a persistent mineral finish. Structured yet lively, the wine reflects both the volcanic intensity of its site and the elegance of Villagrande’s style. It pairs beautifully with game birds, veal, Sicilian pasta dishes, and richly seasoned meats.
Reviews: The 2022 vintage received 93 points from Falstaff, highlighting the cru’s high quality; the 2023 is expected to perform at a similar level once reviewed.

59/Bottle