Passofonduto

Sicily continues to be one of the most exciting places to discover brilliant new wines. A new wave of terroir-obsessed organic farmers has brought the unique and delicious terroirs of this Mediterranean island to the world and helped elevate producers like Arianna Occhipinti, Frank Cornelissen, and Salvo Foti to iconic status.

Giuseppe Cipolla might just be Sicily's next superstar grower.

The project is relatively young. Giuseppe started planting vines about 10 years ago on a parcel of family-owned land in the Contrada Passofonduto, about 25 kilometers from the ancient city of Agrigento on Sicily's southern coast. This rugged, mineral-rich region shaped by the island's geologic past was once home to active salt and sulfur mines. Though those mines are long dormant, the soils remain deeply marked by gypsum, halite, and sulfur-rich chalk.

The vineyards are carved into steep hillsides and planted in the traditional alberello style (also known as gobelet, head-trained or bush vines). Giuseppe built the terraces himself on his family's 16-hectare farm. While he continues to grow grains and fruits, vines — organically farmed, of course — now take center stage.

To capture the voice of his unique terroir, Giuseppe focuses on local varieties like Nero d'Avola, Nerello Mascalese, Grillo, Catarratto, and Zibibbo, working with a mix of massal selections to ensure biodiversity and disease resistance. In the cellar, natural fermentation begins in fiberglass or wood, followed by aging in barrel and stainless steel for precision and balance.

His wines are expressive and alive, brimming with energy, minerality, and a profound sense of place. They reflect a winemaker who may be new to the scene but whose wines feel remarkably confident, elegant and detailed.

We're thrilled to share three exceptional cuvées that will demonstrate exactly why we believe Giuseppe is one of the most exciting new producers on the scene.

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