The incessant sequence of dominations in Sicily left in the lands of Terre Sicane, a piece of Sicily located in the ultimate wetern part of the island between the districts of Agrigento and Trapani, a rich social and cultural context and a splendor heritage made of archaeological sites and settlements and a fascinating tradition of food and wine. An extraordinary biodiversity and a gorgeous natural context characterized by a mild climate and agricultural innovations inherited by many populations in the past: for his Terre Sicane is called “The Golden Triangle” of Sicilian wine growing. Infinite waves of vineyards draw the landscape, offering to the visitor a great opportunity to discover millennial wine growing tradition of the Belice Valley. In this area vines include traditional varieties like Nero d’Avola, Catarratto and Inzolia, and also international grapes such as Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet.
With great dedication and passion this is a land where young winemakers and historical wineries have made an important contribution to the high quality of Sicilian wines all over the world. This is the case of the two wineries included in our visit in the Menfishire wine district which is part of Terre Sicane area.
Settesoli was founded in 1958 by a group of forward thinking farmers who were willing to fight the severe economic crisis which spread throughout the territory. Today Cantine Settesoli has 2,000 partners, a 6,000-hectare vineyard area (almost 5% of all Sicilian vineyards), three cellars dedicated to wine making, an annual production close to 50,000 tons of grapes, and a packing and storage plant. Settesoli is the largest Sicilian vine growing and wine making company, the largest vineyard in Europe and a well-established wine district in the province of Agrigento: 70% of the 5,000 families living in Menfi, Montevago and Santa Margherita di Belìce are involved in the activity of SettesoliSettesoli wines were originally sourced from Sicilian grape varieties typical of the Mediterranean region, like the Grecanico, the Inzolia and the Nero d’Avola. The range was later enriched by importing vines like the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. These new varieties were soon producing outstanding wines, allowing us to shift them over to a large scale cultivation. Mandrarossa are the top range wines by Settesoli. These wines are made by selecting the best grapes, ripened by the intense brightness of the sun and an exceptionally mild climate. Among the many quality wines made in Sicily nowadays, the Mandrarossa wines stand out as fine examples of the winemaking art and tradition on the Island.
Cantine Barbera is represents the other side of Menfishire, a boutique winery where Marilena owner and vigneron rules according to three simple principles: organic farming, natural winemaking and environmental management. Vineyards extends very close to the sea enjoying mild winters, warm dry summers and amazing temperature ranges between night and day. At Cantine Barbera you can find the Inzolia grape, planted in the early 20’s as well as international grapes Chardonnay, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon planted about 30 years ago. Then Marilena’s choice: Perricone, Nerello, Alicante, Nero d’Avola, Grillo. Wines at Cantina Barbera reflect her personality and her thoughts.
In addition to all of these wine what you can find in Menfishire is food, great food: excellent products, from extra virgin olive oil to cheeses made with sheep’s milk, from fruits to the produce of the vegetable gardens (especially artichokes and tomatoes) to fresh caught fish.
Don’t miss this extraordinary wine and food experience while in the area. Join us!
Book this experience OR ask for a customized proposal info@isolabella.it.
Browse all our wine trips in Sicily.