Terroir & Vineyards

On the southern tip of Sicily, near the town of Noto, the Feudo Maccari vineyards bask in a hot, dry, sun-drenched climate—so hot that spraying for pests and mildew is virtually unknown in this area. Mediterranean winds moderate the heat and aerate the grape clusters, and some irrigation is required during the driest season. The vineyards lie about 240 feet above sea level on southerly exposed slopes, and the predominant volcanic soil profile is mixed in a few areas with white sand and chalk deposits. The Nero d’Avola vines are trained to the traditional albarello (bush) shape, while international grape varieties are trained to guyot and other conventional systems.

Estate Vineyards

The Feudo Maccari vineyards are situated in three separate parcels whose different soils, altitudes and exposures promote complexity in the fruit and in the wine.

The heart of the vineyard land is Maccari, which consists of new plantings as well as 30- to 60-year-old vines. It is here that the winery buildings are located.

Not far away is Bufalefi, which is well-suited to viticulture because of the soil’s ability to retain moisture, a necessity in this parched climate.

The Vendicari Guaranaschelli vineyards are named after their former owners and are the highest in altitude, located on a terrace on the Ionian sea.