The emerging winery that has made white wines beneath the Volcano its strength

To locate Milo on a map, look to the tip of Mount Etna and then trace your finger towards the sea: this is the eastern slope of the volcano, practically overlooking the Ionian. It’s here that, in 2015, Carla, Michela, and Paola Maugeri, along with their father Renato (pictured below),", decided to breathe new life into a long-abandoned family plot. "This land has always been part of my family," Carla explains. "There was once a vineyard here, but at some point, we stopped making wine." In 2015, however, the three sisters sensed a shift and decided to embark on a new winemaking venture with a fresh approach, aiming to revitalise this charming area by producing high-quality wines.

Maugeri in Milo: A Region for white wines

The old dry-stone walls were restored, and new vines were planted. Milo is a unique part of Etna: "It’s white wine country, so we focused on *Carricante*." At an elevation of 700 meters above sea level, the dry-stone walls trace the contours of the land. The soil is very rich, and the microclimate here is equally distinctive: the area is notably cool, producing whites with vibrant acidity. "And what’s really special here is the light: the sea acts almost as a mirror, reflecting sunlight. It’s light, not heat. It’s dazzling and aids the vines in their growth processes."

The Carricante challenge: a new flagship for Etna

Contrada Volpare is the Maugeri family’s estate, where their Etna Bianco Superiore '23, winner of the Tre Bicchieri award, originates. "In addition, we’ve planted a vineyard that’s now productive in Contrada Praino," Carla adds, "and we have a new plantation in Contrada Rinazzo. Our aim is to tell the story of Milo through its Contrade (districts): my dream is to have a vineyard in each of the eight and make a wine from each one. When a customer hears the name 'Maugeri,' they should think of Milo and Etna Bianco Superiore. While Etna has been renowned for its reds, things are changing: the strength of Carricante is now being recognised, offering a precise expression of the unique characteristics of each area where it’s grown." With their determination, vision, and commitment, Maugeri is awarded Emerging Winery in the Guida Vini d’Italia 2025.

Contrada Volpare: refinement from the Volcano

In Maugeri’s focused, refined range, this year’s Tre Bicchieri goes to Contrada Volpare ‘23, which captures the sophisticated complexity of Milo’s Carricante. The volcanic essence is reflected in smoky undertones, while the sea brings in elegant hints of iodine. Acacia flowers and Mediterranean scrub complete the aromatic profile of a vibrant white, with a perfect balance of acidity and salinity that resonates on the palate.