The winery
Federico Curtaz
Italian grower and winemaker based in Sicily, known for Etna wines made from Carricante, Nerello Mascalese and Nero d'Avola; he worked for many years in Piedmont and contributed to the development of Tenuta di Fessina.
- Sicilia · Italia
- 6 products
The story
Originally from the Aosta Valley, Curtaz built his expertise working for years in Piedmont, including about fifteen years with Angelo Gaja. Since 1997 he has worked as a consultant in Italy and abroad; in 2007 he was among the partners who founded Tenuta di Fessina on Etna. From 2015 he began producing wines under his own name, focusing on vineyards on Etna and in the countryside of Noto.
Production philosophy
Seeking out and enhancing ancient vineyards and native Etna grape varieties. The approach prioritizes elegance, acidic tension and respect for the terroir, with winemaking choices aimed at expressing the minerality and freshness of the volcanic soils.
Terroir and vineyards
Mainly the Etna area and the countryside of Noto in southeast Sicily; Etna's volcanic soils and high-altitude vineyards characterize their wines.
Characteristics
- Grape varieties
- Carricante
- Nerello Mascalese
- Nero d'Avola
What makes it distinctive
- Extensive experience in Piedmont, including about 15 years with Angelo Gaja.
- Co-founder and technical director of Tenuta di Fessina.
- First labels released under their own name in 2015.
- Strong focus on Etna's native grape varieties: Carricante and Nerello Mascalese; research on old vines.
