Cantine Amato
The story of this Sicilian winery began in the 1930s when Vincenzo Giardina Papa, after spending his youth in America, returned to his homeland. Missing the flavours of Sicily more than anything, he opened a small tavern in Piraino, in the province of Messina. Following in his footsteps, his son-in-law Rosario Amato founded the winery in 1958 in Contrada S. Ignazio. His dedication and passion saw the winery grow over the years, with the addition of wooden barrels and concrete tanks. In the 1980s, his son Salvatore took over, introducing cutting-edge winemaking equipment, and today, Salvatore’s son Rosario continues the tradition, bringing fresh ideas and energy as the estate’s oenologist.
Situated in western Sicily near Palermo, the vineyards thrive on iron-rich clay soils, which retain vital water during dry periods and contribute to the wines’ complexity. Both wines are certified organic, vegan, and low in sulphur. Fermentation and ageing take place exclusively in stainless steel to preserve the purity and freshness of the fruit, with the Nero d’Avola spending a year in tank before bottling.