Antonio Gerardi
is a small, family-run winery in the Sicily region of Italy. It is a natural wine producer known for its commitment to indigenous grapes and low-intervention winemaking.
History and Location
Location: The winery is located in the province of Agrigento, in the western part of Sicily. The vineyards are situated on hilly terrain, with altitudes ranging from 250 to 500 meters above sea level. The soil is a mix of limestone and marl, which contributes to the freshness and minerality of the wines.
The Founder: The winery is run by Antonio Gerardi, who inherited his passion for the land from his grandfather.He has dedicated himself to a more natural and respectful approach to winemaking.
Philosophy: Antonio's philosophy is rooted in a deep connection to his family's history and a desire to produce wines that are a pure and honest expression of the Sicilian terroir.
Winemaking Philosophy
Antonio Gerardi's approach is characterized by a "natural" and hands-off style, both in the vineyard and the cellar.
Organic Farming: The vineyards are farmed organically, with a focus on maintaining a healthy, biodiverse ecosystem. They avoid the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers.
Indigenous Grapes: The winery champions the native grapes of Sicily, including Catarratto, Grillo, Inzolia, and Perricone. They also have some international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, which they also vinify with a natural approach.
Minimal Intervention: In the cellar, their approach is to guide the wine with as little intervention as possible.
Spontaneous Fermentation: All wines are fermented using indigenous, or wild, yeasts.
No Filtration: The wines are unfined and unfiltered, preserving their full flavor and character.
Minimal Sulfur: The use of sulfur is kept to a minimum.
Varied Vessels: The wines are aged in a variety of vessels, including stainless steel and fiberglass, to allow them to express their unique character without being overshadowed by wood.
Notable Wines
Antonio Gerardi produces a small but highly-regarded range of wines that are authentic expressions of the Sicilian terroir.
Terre Siciliane IGT Bianco: A signature white wine made from a blend of local white grapes, primarily Catarratto.It is known for its freshness, intensity, and a distinct mineral, savory character.
Grillo: A white wine made from the native Grillo grape. It is known for its aromatic complexity and a balance of fruit and acidity.
Cabernet: A red wine made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Antonio vinifies this international grape in a natural style, resulting in a red with a unique character and a focus on pure fruit.