We are very excited to introduce the work of the talented Etna winemaker and force of nature, Gloria di Paola of Tre.mi.la.
Born and raised on the volcano's slope that faces the Mediterranean Sea, Gloria discovered wines thanks to her grandparent's passion towards viticulture. After an early career as an architect, Gloria spent several years working alongside local winemakers and expanded her knowledge of the Etna landforms as a natural guide. In 2019, Gloria started caring for her father's vineyard in Contrada Caselle in Milo, on a dramatic slope planted with one hectare of Carricante, Nerello Mascalese and some Catarratto, nestled eight hundred meters above sea level. A place of unreal charme, dominated by the volcano's peak and the shining sea below it, where the dark soil rich in minerals is covered with layers of lapilli, rock fragments deposited after volcanic eruptions.
A tiny plot south of Milo and one hectare located in Atrano, on the southwestern side of the Etna, are completing the two-and-a-half hectares Gloria is farming today. Working organically and exclusively by hand, she only uses small amounts of sulphur, zeolite and propolis for the vines' treatment and green manure with field beans, mustard and lupine to improve soil structure and health. While restoring the family's old palmento, Gloria uses the narrow home garage as a cellar. Plastic buckets (mastelloni) and steel vats are used for spontaneous fermentations without temperature control, while small barrels and demijohns are used as ageing vessels.
Tasting the wines with Gloria in the singular surroundings of Contrada Caselle was a real highlight of our trip to Sicily last March. All wines are expressions of a single vineyard and distinct terroir, showing purity of fruit and a vibrant, complex character.