Valdibella

Valdibella is an organic cooperative of farmers located in the Camporeale area of western Sicily. It's known for its commitment to organic farming, social responsibility, and the promotion of native grape varieties.

History and Location

  • Location: The cooperative is situated in the hills around Camporeale and Monreale, on the western side of Sicily inland from Palermo. The vineyards are on undulating slopes, up to 500 meters in altitude, on primarily clay soils.

  • Cooperative Model: Valdibella was founded as a cooperative in 1998 with just a handful of members. Their mission is to create a sustainable project that supports both human relationships and the natural environment.

  • Social and Environmental Commitment: Valdibella is deeply committed to social responsibility. They are part of the Addiopizzo movement, which resists the local mafia by refusing to pay extortion money. They are also involved in the "Jonathan Project," which helps provide employment and integration for disadvantaged young people.

Winemaking Philosophy

Valdibella's winemaking is a direct reflection of its organic and sustainable philosophy.

  • Organic Farming: All of the cooperative's farms are certified organic. They also emphasize biodiversity and regenerative agriculture, going beyond simple organic practices.

  • Indigenous Grapes: The cooperative is dedicated to cultivating and vinifying native Sicilian grape varieties. Their focus is on Catarratto, Nero d'Avola, Perricone, Nerello Mascalese, and Grillo.

  • Minimal Intervention: In the cellar, their approach is hands-off.

    • Spontaneous Fermentation: All wines are fermented using indigenous, or wild, yeasts.

    • No Fining or Filtration: The wines are unfined and unfiltered, preserving their natural character.

    • Low Sulfur: The use of sulfur is kept to a minimum, with some wines having no added sulfites.

  • Polyculture: The cooperative is a mixed farm, also producing almonds, olives, ancient grains, and legumes, which helps to promote biodiversity.

Notable Wines

Valdibella produces a wide range of wines that are authentic expressions of the Sicilian terroir.

  • Munir: A white wine made from 100% Catarratto. It's known for its fresh and light character.

  • Sulle Bucce: A white wine made from Grillo with skin contact (maceration), giving it a more complex and textured "orange wine" style.

  • Kerasos: A red wine made from 100% Nero d'Avola. It is known for its classic Sicilian profile of ripe red fruit and a firm structure.

  • Àgape: A red wine made from Nerello Mascalese, which is more commonly found on Mount Etna, but is here an expression of the western Sicilian terroir.

  • Memorii: A complex white wine made using a perpetuo or "solera" system, where wines from different vintages are blended over time. This is a very old Sicilian tradition.