Menfishire
On a strip of Sicilian land overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, there is a unique habitat. A wild uncontaminated territory of rare beauty. This is the territory of Menfi.
The territory on the south-western coast of the island features subtle hills full of vineyards that extend all the way to the sea and olive groves that distinguish the landscape, surrounded by hedges and Mediterranean scrub
This is Menfishire, one of the most important wine-producing areas in Sicily, where agriculture is the source of the economic growth and local community. Here, excellent olive oils from native varieties are produced next to the excellent wines, as well as vegetables such as artichokes and winter melon. A rare natural habitat, a part of the Sicilian coast relatively unknown, and for this reason uncontaminated.
Beaches, rivers, hills, vineyards, olive groves and a sun that shines all-year-round: from the Mediterranean dwarf palm to the sea daffodil, from the heron to the beetle, to the Caretta Caretta turtle, this territory protects and safeguards an environmental heritage with a priceless biodiversity. A vast hillside area that extends from the Magaggiaro forest to the sea: this is where the Mandrarossa vineyards are evenly distributed, perfect geometric shapes made of small pieces of land, creating an exceptional landscape. From the highest point, at 440 meters a.s.l., it’s possible to observe the passing of the seasons and changing of the colors: the green vineyards, the silver olive groves, the yellow wheat, the brown land after it’s been plowed.
Further south, carried by the warm sirocco wind, we reach the coast: brackish scents, blue seascapes, mild sea breezes, shape the different slopes, exposures and elevations, which, combined to the types of soil, create many different microclimates, each ideal for the different varieties cultivated. The hills give the vineyards a southern exposition, favoring an increased sunlight absorption, a primary element for their growth. The environmental conditions at this latitude are ideal for cultivating vines: the dry climate, strong intense and sometimes blinding sunlight, the effect of the sea, the warm southern winds, the sea breezes, the temperature excursion, are all elements that make healthy vineyards and high-quality grapes.
In Menfishire, the Mandrarossa vineyard, after years of research began production in 1999, extends for 500 hectares, from an elevation of 440 mt. a.s.l. to the sea, crossing several beautiful districts (Contrade). In fact, the territory of Menfi is divided into a constellation of districts, farmland that is ideal for the cultivation of vines and full of excellent vineyards, among which the traditional native varieties Grecanico and Nero d’Avola stand out, or the international varieties such as Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, or even the innovative and experimental varieties such as the Fiano, Viognier, Petit Verdot, Alicante Bouschet, Chenin Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc. It is truly a unique experience to explore the clump of districts, admiring breathtaking sunsets and observing the grass in the fields blown by the wind, making this territory a place to be discovered all-year-long, able to amaze and excite.
The soils
Soils of
Mandrarossa
There are five types of soils on the hills that change from one side to the other, creating an incredible tapestry of colors. This is how each grape variety is produced on its ideal soil, giving the wine an unmistakable profile and excellent quality.
Sandy
This soil is a mixture of sand and minerals such as gravel, which ensures a capillary distribution of water and great draining properties. The roots of the vine penetrate deep in these soils that are easy to farm because of their low compactness. The vine that grows on sandy soils produces delicate and aromatic wines that should be consumed young.
Clay-Rich
The texture of this soil is composed by minerals, silica, iron and humus. It is generally very compact and dense, rich in potassium. The great water retention properties and absorption contribute to a strong and healthy growth of the vine even during droughts. This soil produces soft wines, with a rich extract and good acidity.
Medium Mixture
Mainly made of sand and clay, this soil is permeable and fertile, which provides calcium and magnesium, necessary nutrients for the vine. Ideal for elegant and well-structured wines, with great persistence and balance.
Limestone
Nutrient rich, including potassium and magnesium, this soil is one of the most sought after for vineyards. It is very fertile because it retains calcium, essential for the plants’ life cycle. Its components transfer the heat absorbed from the sun during the day to the bunches at night. These soils produce wines with great structure, aromatic, long-lasting and rich in mineral salts.
Silty
This soil includes loam, sand and clay, giving it the ability to absorb water and gradually transferring it to the plant roots. It’s a compact soil with great plasticity, rich in nutritional elements. The resulting wines are light, aromatic and elegant.