Calcagno

The Calcagno family has a long history and deep connection with the northern slope (Versante Nord) of Mount Etna. Here in Passopisciaro, they have been growing own-rooted alberello (bush-trained) vines of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio for five generations.

The estate is currently managed by fourth-generation brothers Franco and Gianni, and fifth-generation Giusy (Gianni’s daughter), alongside her husband Pietro.
The Calcagno family owns 4 hectares of vines in Arcuria and Feudo di Mezzo (Versante Nord), and Carricante in Volpari, Milo (Versante Est). They also manage an additional 3 hectares around Passopisciaro.

Until 2006, Calcagno sold its entire production in bulk. In the Arcuria vineyards, you can still visit the old family palmento, built out of lava stone and fully gravity-fed, which has now been refurbished and repurposed as a simple yet characterful guest house.

In 2007 and 2008, brothers Franco and Gianni fulfilled their lifelong dream of bottling their first wines: Arcuria and Feudo di Mezzo. Since then, they have collaborated with oenologist Alessandro Biancolin, previously a consultant for Franchetti/Passopisciaro.

In 2016, they revolutionised their élevage process, moving away from barriques in favour of 20-hectolitre botti. Today, under the guidance of Giusy, Cantina Calcagno is focused on continuing the story of their century-old bush vines through the lens of sustainability and community — crafting wines of precision and profound sense of place.