On a corner of western Sicily stands the vineyard of one of the island's most talented and authentic winemakers, Nino Barraco. Now respected all throughout Italy, Nino favors at all stages of his work an artisanal approach, full of common sense. He talks about his wines with disarming simplicity, with the confidence of a vigneron that believes in his work and in his intuition.

All of Nino's wines are made from Sicilian indigenous grapes in purity — fermentation is spontaneous and with no added yeast, and the wines are aged almost exclusively in steel to help preserve the varietal notes of each grape.

Life and biodiversity are enhanced among the rows of grapes, to develop a model of sustainable viticulture without the use of chemicals in the vineyard.

The result is wines that are marine, Mediterranean, and above all fine, elegant and gluttonous.

He's also one of six winemakers collaborating at Halara' in Marsala, a one-hectare vineyard planted to Parpato and Catarratto.

These are the most stunning vineyards we have visited, on sand dunes that end directly at sea. The black sandy soils are rich in organic elements, to preserve the vitality of the soil, zero pesticides are used.

The biggest challenge is for the grapes can reach a fair maturity without suffering from the often scorching summer sun or Scirocco winds. The foliar management of the vines is remarkable, where a very dense canopy is favored to protect the grapes and preserve the right acidity.

Variety: 100% Nero d'Avola
Denomination: Nero d'Avola DOC Sicilia
Alc: 13%
Age of the vines: 19 years
Agriculture: Espalier bushes on clay and limestone soil with stone.
In the Cellar: Vinification in stainless steel, 30 days of maceration with skins in steel tank. 18 months in bottle
Region: Marsala, Western Sicily