Salvo Foti – Sicily

EtnaSalvo Foti is the opposite to the 'flying winemaker' who travels 400 days each year to promote his production. He's a real vigneron, of bashful disposition without being crusty. He grew up amongst his vines. Etna's terrain has a particular climate, not surprisingly distinct from the rest of Sicily: one feels as if one were in Switzerland, with its severe winters and fresh summers, along with notable extremes of temperature. Avoiding the expansion and 'industrialization' of the 1970s, the vines on Etna were parceled into small lots even in the 1960s. The principal variety, the 'nerello mascalese' gives the red wines a surprisingly delicate character, not a powerhouse, which some liken to a type of Pinot Nero. Salvo has total respect for the environment, vinifying in a measured way, without excesses (no extreme processes and no ultra-modern techniques). He is a consultant to various wineries in the area, such as Benanti, and has made a significant contribution to the region's national success. He makes a red, il Vitupera, which is of great character, alive and intense, with a mineral taste.