From February 9 to 11, we will be attending Wine Paris 2026, one of the most important international trade fairs dedicated to the world of wine.
Come and visit us, we look forward to seeing you at our stand with lots of new products!
HALL 5.2 | AREA B029 | STAND 15
September 12nd, 2025 — Firriato has conquered New York. The historic Sicilian wine estate was among the leading protagonists of Sip of Italy 2025, the prestigious event organized by Wine Enthusiast that, on September 11, transformed City Winery into a stage celebrating the excellence of Italian wine. In a cosmopolitan and vibrant setting, more than 90 wineries showcased the rich diversity of Italian viticulture, with Firriato standing out for its stylistic consistency, vision, and emotional appeal.
The tasting experience curated by the winery guided the American audience on a journey through its distinctive terroirs, where scientific research intertwines with memory and sustainability emerges as a hallmark of identity and distinction. The mountain sparkling wines, Gaudensius Blanc de Noir and Gaudensius Pas Dosè, aptivated guests with their finesse and mineral tension, followed by the contrada Etna Doc wines: Contrada Zottorinotto – Balza delle Poiane 2023 and Cavanera Contrada Zucconerò Sciara del Tiglio 2021, pure expressions of a landscape that speaks through volcanic stone and altitude.
Completing the narrative were the reds Sicilia Doc Santagostino Baglio Sorìa Rosso 2020 and Ribeca 2019 — two distinctive wines that embody craftsmanship, sustainability, and refined expression in perfect balance.
The success achieved in New York confirms Firriato’s strength as an ambassador of fine wine culture and of a production model rooted in sustainability. Participation in Sip of Italy has further strengthened its ties with the North American market and renewed the conviction that authenticity is the most meaningful key to engaging with the world.
A balanced and high-quality vintage, marked by stable climatic conditions and even ripening across all vineyards. Consistent weather patterns and precision-driven agronomic management ensured healthy grapes and outstanding aromatic profiles, reaffirming the strength of Firriato’s sustainable model and the coherence of a production vision rooted in excellence and environmental respect.
The 2025 harvest at Firriato stands out for the exceptional quality of its grapes and for the balanced climatic trend that fostered a harmonious vegetative and productive cycle across all estates — from the Trapani countryside to the island of Favignana, and up to the slopes of Mount Etna. The weather conditions ensured a steady and uniform ripening process, producing balanced clusters with refined aromatic profiles and confirming the consistency of Firriato’s long-established commitment to sustainable, precision-based viticulture.
The season was characterized by a regular distribution of rainfall, which maintained constant water availability and optimal plant health. Winter and spring rains replenished the soil’s water reserves, while a warm but not excessive summer allowed the vines to grow without water or physiological stress. A mild winter also led to a slightly earlier ripening, carefully managed through targeted agronomic interventions to maintain uniformity and balance throughout the vegetative phase.
Harvesting began with the early-ripening varieties — Chardonnay and Grillo — followed by Catarratto and Inzolia, which showed excellent acidity and remarkable aromatic integrity. The red varieties — Merlot, Syrah, and Nero d’Avola — were picked next, while in the higher vineyards of the Trapani area harvesting continued with Perricone and Frappato.
On Mount Etna, where ripening follows a slower rhythm, the harvest began with Carricante and Catarratto and will continue with Nerello Mascalese, expected to conclude in the final ten days of October. Here, the grapes achieved an ideal balance of sugars, acidity, and phenolic components, expressing the complexity and depth typical of Firriato’s mountain wines.
“It has been a very good harvest, supported by balanced weather and ideal ripening conditions – notes Tanino Sant’Angelo, agronomist at Firriato – The grapes have shown excellent quality across all our estates, confirming the value of precision viticulture and our ongoing commitment to enhancing biodiversity and the distinct character of each terroir”.
The 2025 harvest thus reaffirms Firriato’s technical and scientific approach to vineyard management — achieving results that seamlessly combine sustainability, agronomic innovation, and territorial identity.
This harvest is expected to produce Sicily DOC, Etna DOC, and IGT Terre Siciliane wines of the highest caliber and quality.
An important international recognition for the Sicilian winery: five labels have been awarded by the renowned American critic James Suckling with scores ranging from 91 to 93 points, confirming the quality and distinctive character of Firriato’s wines.
A new international success for Firriato, which once again stands out on the global wine scene thanks to the prestigious accolades assigned by James Suckling, one of the most respected wine critics in the world. In his latest tasting, Suckling awarded 93 points to Cavanera Contrada Zucconerò 2021 and Gaudensius Blanc de Blancs, 91 points to Cavanera Contrada Marchesa 2021 and Cavanera Contrada Zottorinotto 2023, and 92 points to Gaudensius Rosé.
These results confirm the value of Firriato’s oenological research and its ability to capture, in every glass, the authentic expression of Sicily’s diverse terroirs—from the slopes of Mount Etna to the countryside of Trapani. The Etna DOC Cavanera Contrada Wines, born in the Etna contrade, embody the mountain’s striking minerality and depth, while the Gaudensius labels represent the pinnacle of the island’s traditional-method sparkling wines, distinguished by aromatic finesse, balance, and remarkable persistence.
Beyond reinforcing the brand’s international prestige, these accolades reflect the consistency of a long-term strategy grounded in sustainability and driven by innovation. Guided by an oenological vision that harmonizes science and identity, Firriato continues to shape the image of a modern, competitive Sicily—one deeply rooted in its heritage yet forward-looking in its ambitions.
A new and prestigious accolade celebrates the oenological excellence of Firriato: Cavanera Contrada Zucconerò 2021 – Sciara del Tiglio has been awarded the Tre Bicchieri in the 2025 edition of Vini d’Italia by Gambero Rosso, Italy’s most authoritative and influential wine guide. For over thirty years, this award has been a symbol of excellence for professionals and enthusiasts alike, reserved only for wines distinguished by consistent quality and a strong sense of territorial identity. It is a milestone that celebrates a wine born from a unique terroir, where the mineral power and refined elegance of Etna come together in perfect harmony.
Cavanera Contrada Zucconerò 2021 – Sciara del Tiglio is produced from Nerello Mascalese grapes cultivated in a single-vineyard Cru located on the north-eastern slope of Mount Etna, in Castiglione di Sicilia. Here, the vines grow in ancient lava soils that impart structure, minerality, and remarkable longevity. This Etna Rosso DOC perfectly balances the energy of the volcano with the finesse of the variety, offering a complex aromatic profile of ripe red fruits, dried rose, and sweet spices, supported by a fine, harmonious tannic texture that defines its depth and persistence.
The “Tre Bicchieri” recognition awarded to Cavanera Contrada Zucconerò 2021 – Sciara del Tiglio celebrates not only the excellence of a wine but also a precise vision of Etna that combines tradition, research, and deep respect for nature. Each Cru represents a microcosm—a distinct voice of the volcano—that has inspired Firriato’s production philosophy for decades. With this new accolade, the winery reaffirms its position as a benchmark in the new Etna viticulture, standing as an ambassador of a territorial identity that blends technical precision, environmental sustainability, and the poetry of terroir, bringing the authentic voice of Sicilian wine to the world.
September 8th, 2025 — The Sicily of wine takes flight to New York with Firriato, ambassador of a production model that unites sustainability, research, and territorial identity. The historic Sicilian winery will be among the main protagonists of Sip of Italy 2025, the international event organized by Wine Enthusiast and scheduled for September 11 at City Winery. This year’s edition will bring together more than 90 Italian wineries, offering over 300 labels for tasting.
A strategic milestone in the company’s ongoing path of internationalization and brand consolidation in foreign markets — particularly in North America — with the goal of strengthening its commercial network overseas and contributing to the global narrative of Sicilian wine culture.
Under the lights of the Big Apple, Firriato will present a curated selection of wines that embody the multifaceted soul of Sicily through its most representative terroirs. From the mountain bubbles of Etna — Gaudensius Blanc de Noir Etna Doc and Gaudensius Pas Dosè, elegant expressions of an extreme, mineral-driven viticulture — to the Etna Doc contrada wines Contrada Zottorinotto – Balza delle Poiane 2023 and Cavanera Contrada Zucconerò Sciara del Tiglio 2021, symbols of the deep dialogue between volcanic soils and indigenous varieties. Completing the journey are the reds Santagostino Baglio Sorìa Rosso 2020 and Ribeca 2019, Sicilia Doc emblematic of the generosity of the Trapani countryside, where vineyards take root in an ancient balance of light, wind, and sea — transforming every sip into a story of identity and harmony.
Sip of Italy will therefore serve as an exceptional showcase to reaffirm Sicily’s central role within the international wine landscape, through a direct dialogue with the press, buyers, and the American public.
TWO ICONIC SICILIAN LABELS AMONG ITALY’S FINEST WINES
Firriato continues its international journey toward excellence with another prestigious achievement: the Corona Award from the Vini Buoni d’Italia 2025 Guide has been conferred on Ribeca 2020 Sicilia DOC and Gaudensius Blanc de Noir ETNA DOC. This highest accolade, reserved exclusively for wines that achieve top scores in regional and national tastings, acknowledges the stylistic consistency and exceptional quality of the awarded labels.
The Ribeca 2020 represents the pinnacle of Firriato’s long-standing work on Perricone, a heritage grape variety of the Sicilian tradition. Grown in the Trapani countryside, where dry and breezy conditions enhance the aromatic concentration of the grapes, this black-skinned variety finds in this terroir the ideal environment to fully express its character. The resulting wine stands out for its depth and elegance, offering a complex bouquet of ripe black fruits and sweet spices, supported by fine, velvety tannins that highlight its balance and longevity.
The Gaudensius Blanc de Noir, on the other hand, embodies Firriato’s most refined and experimental spirit. It is one of the five distinct interpretations within the Gaudensius Project, devoted to celebrating the art of high-altitude sparkling wine production on Mount Etna. Made from Nerello Mascalese grapes vinified in white at the Cavanera Etnea Estate, housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century baglio, this Metodo Classico sparkling wine epitomizes the perfect harmony between volcanic soils and mountain climate. It is distinguished by its fine and persistent perlage, golden reflections, and a balanced sensory profile, where freshness, minerality, and aromatic complexity merge into an expression of pure elegance and technical precision.
With the Corona Award bestowed upon Ribeca 2020 and Gaudensius Blanc de Noir, Firriato reaffirms its commitment to the enhancement of Sicily’s viticultural heritage and to the creation of authentic wines that seamlessly combine technical rigor, territorial identity, and contemporary vision.
A new international accolade celebrates Firriato’s excellence: Cavanera Contrada Verzella 2023 Ripa di Scorciavacca has been awarded 91 points by Decanter, the renowned British magazine and one of the most influential voices in the global wine world. This recognition confirms the quality and distinct personality of a wine that has become an icon of Etna’s northern slope, where mountain viticulture meets the energy of the volcano and the finesse of an unparalleled terroir.
Founded in 1975, Decanter is today acknowledged as one of the foremost authorities in the wine industry, thanks to its independent tasting panels and the expertise of the Masters of Wine and critics who contribute to its assessments. Surpassing the 90-point threshold means entering the elite circle of the world’s great wines—an achievement that, for Firriato, reaffirms its unwavering commitment to enhancing Sicily’s terroirs and expressing their most authentic character.
Cavanera Contrada Verzella is an Etna DOC White Cru, born from the encounter between Carricante and a small part of Catarratto, two native grape varieties that find their finest expression on the slopes of the volcano. The vineyards, rooted in “young” volcanic soils rich in minerals, benefit from a unique mountain microclimate that gives the wines remarkable balance, freshness, and extraordinary ageing potential. The result is an elegant, vibrant white wine where mineral tension harmoniously blends with softness and aromatic depth.
Every stage of production is carried out with meticulous care: from sustainable vineyard management to the manual selection of the grapes, and a winemaking process designed to enhance purity and complexity. The outcome is a bright, refined wine with an intense bouquet of citrus fruits, white flowers, Mediterranean herbs, and flint—a vivid expression of Etna’s authentic soul.
With this achievement, Firriato further consolidates its role among the leading figures of the new Etna viticulture, continuing to combine territorial identity, sustainability, and innovation in a narrative of taste and authenticity that brings the essence of Etna to the world.
The journey into the Firriato world continues off-site on Monday, April 7 with the third edition of “Experiencing Firriato in Verona,” set in the 18th-century ambiance of Palazzo Verità Poeta, just steps from the Arena.
This exclusive, invite-only event—reserved for trade professionals, opinion leaders, and the press—will showcase the entire Firriato portfolio, along with live show-cooking by the resident chefs of Firriato’s two estate restaurants, “Santagostino” in Trapani and “La Riserva Bistrot” on Etna, plus tastings of culinary excellences from select partners. Among the Sicilian standouts are Testa Conserve, Castro Salumi, and Di Stefano Dolciaria; there will also be a dialogue with extra-regional specialties paying homage to Veneto, thanks to the involvement of the Consorzio Tutela Formaggio Asiago.
Adding further prestige, Première Italia will participate with Champagne De Venoge, creating a unique encounter with the aforementioned Gaudensius Metodo Classico wines—and the chance to pair them with the renowned Cru Caviar.
Among the evening’s headliners is the multi-award-winning Santagostino, celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year—an iconic wine and one of the earliest examples in quality Sicilian viticulture of a blend between native and international varieties. Santagostino Bianco Igt Terre Siciliane —the meeting of Catarratto and Chardonnay—and Santagostino Rosso Sicilia Doc—combining Nero d’Avola and Syrah—are two remarkable labels that, vintage after vintage, have won over wine lovers worldwide and earned accolades from leading international critics.
“Experiencing Firriato will once again be an unforgettable evening,” says Irene Di Gaetano, owner of the winery. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate an important milestone: the 30th Anniversary of Santagostino, the essence of our passion for wine—a name that has played a decisive role in the renaissance of Sicilian wine. From the hills of the Trapani countryside to the island of Favignana and up to the heights of Etna, we share our vision of Sicily as an extraordinary, immense vineyard which, harvest after harvest, continues to gift us fine wines and captivate palates around the world.”
Vinitaly and Experiencing Firriato in Verona promise, as always, moments of intense emotion—in full Firriato style.
The Sicilian winery will be at Vinitaly—Pavilion 2, inside the Etna DOC Consortium area—and will host the third edition of “Experiencing Firriato in Verona” at Palazzo Verità Poeta.
Paceco (Trapani), April 1th, 2025 — Firriato will take part in the upcoming edition of Vinitaly, the International Wine & Spirits Exhibition, to be held in Verona from April 6–9. Across the four days, buyers and enthusiasts will have the chance to taste wines from the Etna growing area: from the Vini di Contrada collection to the Gaudensius Metodo Classico sparkling wines—icons of the prestigious quality level Firriato has achieved in traditional-method sparkling winemaking with the native Nerello Mascalese and Carricante grapes on Mount Etna.
These long-aged sparkling wines stand out for complexity, finesse, and identity: 24 months on the lees for Gaudensius Rosé; 36 months for Gaudensius Blanc de Blancs and Gaudensius Blanc de Noir; 48 months for Gaudensius Pas Dosé; and the pinnacle, Gaudensius Vintage Riserva—a noble interpretation of Nerello Mascalese aged 120 months on the lees, produced in a limited run of just 2,000 bottles.
Also being poured are the single-contrada crus from the Cavanera Vini di Contrada Etna Doc collection: the whites Cavanera Contrada Verzella and Cavanera Contrada Zottorinotto, and the reds Cavanera Contrada Marchesa and Cavanera Contrada Zucconerò—wines that express the nuances, character, and power of the Etna terroir.
A rare gem will also be available for tasting at Vinitaly: Signum Aetnae 2016, an Etna DOC Riserva sourced from the pre-phylloxera vineyard at the Cavanera Etnea estate, from Nerello Mascalese vines with an average age of over 150 years.
Firriato celebrates 30 vintages of two multi-award-winning labels, delighting wine lovers and taste professionals alike.
Thirty years of authenticity and distinctive winemaking style—three decades that have captured the hearts of thousands of wine enthusiasts. This is a major milestone for Santagostino, one of Firriato’s signature labels, in both its Bianco and Rosso expressions—praised unanimously within and beyond the borders of Sicily. Born at the Baglio Sorìa Estate in the Trapani countryside, these wines were the first-born of a winery that has played a decisive role in the rebirth and revitalization of Sicilian viticulture.
On one hand, a blend of Catarratto and Chardonnay; on the other, Nero d’Avola and Syrah—the union of a native Sicilian grape with an international variety that, harvest after harvest, has embodied the very soul of Sicily, standing out in the wine world for elegance and drinkability.
Santagostino Bianco Igt Terre Siciliane fills the glass with fruity melodies reminiscent of peach, melon, and pineapple, perfectly balanced with notes of wildflowers, hazelnut, and vanilla. Santagostino Rosso Sicilia Doc expresses its character through layers of marasca cherry, wild berries, rhubarb, clove, aromatic herbs, and plum, interwoven with hints of licorice and tobacco leaf.
Produced over thirty vintages in one of the island’s most captivating corners, the Di Gaetano family has masterfully combined innovation and technology to enhance the value of nature. The sea breeze caresses the grapes grown on clay- and marl-rich soils, shaped by the wind in a unique natural setting. From this harmony between vineyard and terroir arise Santagostino Rosso and Bianco: two wines of remarkable balance, generosity, and finesse—perfectly capturing Firriato’s signature style.
“Santagostino is identity, tireless passion, and true to itself for over 30 harvests,” explains Irene Di Gaetano, Managing Director of Firriato. “Nero d’Avola meets Syrah, Catarratto meets Chardonnay—in a true act of love between native and international varieties. The result is a name that has become an icon of Firriato, with an extraordinary vibrancy that continues to win over wine lovers across the globe—from New York to Tokyo, Moscow to São Paulo, and throughout Europe.”
Craftsmanship, terroir, pride, and unwavering dedication are the foundation of these golden white and ruby red wines, appreciated by connoisseurs and refined palates alike. It is no coincidence that over the years both have garnered numerous accolades: 2 Stars from I Vini di Veronelli and 87 points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine for Santagostino Bianco; 92 points from James Suckling, 92 points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Tre Bicchieri Rossi and Tre Bicchieri Verdi from Gambero Rosso, and inclusion in the Top 100 Worldwide by Wine Spectator for Santagostino Rosso.
Firriato thus raises a glass to a lasting promise of excellence and authentic Sicilian values—a continued success story for two labels that, since their very first vintage, have stood as emblems of the winery’s enological mastery and international prestige.
The Sicilian company will present in Verona the Gaudensius Vintage 2013, a Classic Method Sparkling Wine with a very long aging on the lees, and the expansion of the Contrada Wines line, with two new proposals from specific Crus on the slopes of the Volcano.
The relationship between Firriato and Etna could be summed up in one term: foresight. The commitment dates back a long way, when President Salvatore Di Gaetano began to explore the Etna terroir, sensing the uniqueness of soils with unique characteristics, extremely complex pedoclimatic contexts, and wines with consistently elegant and balanced profiles. Over the years, the interest of the Sicilian company has grown, and over time, many investments have been made on the slopes of the highest active volcano in Europe.
Many are the projects that the company has developed over the years on Etna, from the construction of a resort with rooms and a restaurant, to the establishment of a modern winery, to the acquisition of 12 contradas (vineyard parcels). Above all, it has been the scientific and experimental approach that has allowed the advancement of projects of significant importance in the European viticulture sector, such as the enhancement of the pre-phylloxera plot present in the Cavanera estate.
“ Etna,Our Passion has now become our slogan” – says Irene Di Gaetano, owner of Cantina Firriato – “a passion that dates back to the end of the last century and has strengthened and renewed over time, a challenge that we have accepted with extreme seriousness and indeed Passion”.
Among the many achievements of Firriato is certainly the Gaudensius Vintage “a classic method sparkling wine Etna DOC with a very long aging on the lees” – Irene Di Gaetano continues – “we are talking about over 100 months” but also the firm determination to enhance the Crus, namely specific vineyard parcels which, thanks to their particular pedoclimatic conditions, are able to enhance the grapes, giving the wines unmistakable characteristics.
“It is precisely with a view to enhancing the Crus present in our 12 contradas that we have decided to expand the Cavanera line, introducing Il Cavanera Contrada Zottorinotto, a white wine made from Carricante grapes, and the Cavanera Contrada Zucconerò, a red wine made from Nerello Mascalese” – Irene continues – “Because we are convinced that our contradas, nestled in such a special territory, truly have many stories to tell, and we like to tell them and summarize them in a glass”.
Firriato is located in Pavilion 2 Sicily – Stand ET 24 – Corridor C.
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