The winery
Le Casematte
Sicilian winery in Faro Superiore (Messina) dedicated to showcasing Faro DOC and the area's native grape varieties.
- Sicilia (Faro, Provincia di Messina) · Italia
- Since 2008
- 8 products
The story
Le Casematte began as an enological project founded by Gianfranco Sabbatino and Andrea Barzagli with the aim of raising the profile of the Faro appellation. The name comes from the presence, within the vineyards, of two casematte visible in the landscape; the venture is presented as a meeting between local tradition and modern winemaking choices.
Production philosophy
Small-scale, terroir-focused production: the producer favors indigenous grape varieties and low‑impact farming practices, limiting the use of new oak in aging to preserve freshness and a sense of place in the wines.
Terroir and vineyards
Vineyards on the hills of Contrada Corso, on the heights north of Messina overlooking the Strait of Messina, at an altitude of around 500 metres above sea level. The microclimate is influenced by sea breezes between the Ionian and Tyrrhenian seas, with pronounced day–night temperature variations that promote the aromatic development of the grapes.
Awards and recognition
The winery and some of its vintages have received ratings and recognition from guides and critics; praise has appeared in publications and among retailers.
Characteristics
- Grape varieties
- Nerello Mascalese
- Nerello Cappuccio
- Nocera
- Nero d'Avola
- Grillo
- Carricante
- Hectares
- 10.0
- Bottles per year
- 50000
What makes it distinctive
- Specialization and relaunch of the Faro DOC appellation
- Founded by Gianfranco Sabbatino and Andrea Barzagli
- Native vineyards overlooking the Strait of Messina
- Main grape varieties: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Nocera, Grillo, Carricante
- Vineyard management indicated as organic by distributors/retailers; enological consultancy by Carlo Ferrini.
