Girolamo Russo
Giuseppe Russo was formerly a pianist, but in 2005 he chose to take over the family land and cultivate indigenous Siclian grape varieties. He named the Winery after his father, recognizing the importance of familia roots and tradition, while at the same time looking to craft a product totally and uniquely his own. The vineyards are certified organic, many of the vines around 100 years of age. He has 15 hectares of vines on the North side of Etna around the town of Passopisciaro and bottles 4 single Contrade: San Lorenzo, Feudo, Feudo di Mezzo, and Calderara Sottana, all from the Northern slopes 650-800m asl.
old vine Albarello in the Russo vineyards
He makes 9 labels, all of which fall under the Etna DOC denomination, he even vinifies a single contrada white from older vines(San Lorenzo). Giuseppe’s winemaking style is his own, as he walks the tightrope between modern/French winemaking techniques and the old Aetean ways–vines are Albarello trained as well has “modified” Albarello (a cross between bush vine and French trained/trellised vine). He vinifies each parcel separately in stainless steel and utilizes some old French barrique in the wine maturation process. The grapes are hand harvested and go through a selection process after the October picking, where they then spontaneously ferment (native/indigenous yeasts). For the white wines, he lets the juice sit on the skins for 24hrs.
Giuseppe’s wines are so amazing, in that not only are they delicious, but they capture the Etna Terroir (and specifically that of the Contrade in Passopisciaro on the Northern slopes) via indigneous grape vines AND capture the anima (soul) of the winemaker. A totally ethereal experience.
