Azienda Agricola Di Giovanna, Sicily

Wine has been a tradition in the Sicilian house of Di Giovanna for almost 150 years. The estate actually consists of five smaller wineries. Three lie at altitudes of 350 to 450 metres in Contessa Entellina, while the other two lie at elevations of up to 800 metres in the mountains of Sambuca di Sicilia – a green oasis in Sicily’s mountain landscape. The past 25 years have shaped today’s wines. In 1985, Aurelio Di Giovanna had something new in mind. With his German wife Barbara, he undertook replanting, but only after thorough soil analysis. Based on the results, he selected the varieties best suited to each soil. As a result, the family’s five estates feature a colourful mixture of native and international grape varieties.

The two sons, Klaus and Gunther, are now responsible for the estate. Both are proud to continue the family tradition together with 24 employees. The family business has been certified organic for 13 years, although certification was merely official confirmation of what the Di Giovanna family had practised for decades: producing wine according to organic principles.

To perfect the already excellent quality of their wines, the two brothers brought in internationally renowned oenologist Riccardo Cotarella. The modern cellar pursues a clear style that respects the character of each variety. Seventeen different wines are produced, both single-variety organic wines and blends, ranging from fresh, fruity whites to powerful reds. White and red varieties are evenly balanced.