Caravaglio
The Caravgalio’s history on the Aeolian islands runs deep. They were one of 5 Spanish families in the 1500s to establish themselves on these volcanic islands. For more than 500 years, the Caravagli have cultivated wine grapes on Salina and Lipari, establishing early on the traditions and practices that would be followed for generations. They were certainly among the first to partner with Venetian traders bearing rootstock from Greece, planting the original Malvasia delle Lipari and Corinto Nero vines, both now native grapes to the islands.
Antonino Caravaglio is the current winemaker and founder of the official Caravaglio Cantina in 1992. He has 37 acres on the island of Salina where he also cultivates capers, and 5 on Lipari. He immediately sought organic certification upon the winery’s inception and was one of the first winemakers on the island to do so. The wind-swept hills, naturally cleansed by the sea-salty air of the Mediterranean and protected by the island’s mineral soils, which are naturally resistant to the destructive phylloxera aphid, keep pests and disease away.
Because of the volcanic nature of this area there is a great amount of layers of soils of different kinds. Some vineyards are sandy and others rich in clay. The altitude also changes. Some vineyards are at sea level and the highest are in a valley between the two mountains of Salina, about 500m asl. Some parcels face west others east and others north.
the dark volcanic sands of Lipari in the Caravaglio vineyards. Corinto Nero vine
Grapes are harvested by hand and fermented on indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. White wines are aged in stainless steel tanks on fine lees for two to three months; red wines are aged on fine lees in a combination of 500L French oak casks and tank for one month. Very little sulfur is added during the winemaking process.
Caravaglio’s is known for his aromatic whites made from the Malvasia delle Lipari variety, also used to make sweet passito style wines, as well as his Corinto Nero. His vines are pre-phylloxera, many of which are more than 150 years old. This red grape has called the volcanic caldera of Lipari home for centuries and is a truly ancient variety, with its five-point leaves and naturally seedless fruit. Caravaglio is the only vignaiolo (winemaker) who has preserved Lipari’s traditions by bottling a pure Corinto Nero wine.
