About the producer
In the story of Buscemi, a winery destined for stardom, the project took root in 2016 when Alberto Graci fulfilled his wife Mirella's dream of cultivating a vineyard, following in the footsteps of her grandparents. Alberto presented her with 'Tartaraci,' an ancient vineyard nestled in the unique volcanic terrain of Etna. Fueled by a passion for nature and a deep commitment to Etna's terroir, Mirella Buscemi brings her dream to life in this enchanting contrada. Located on the north-western slope of Mount Etna, 980 meters above sea level and near the pistachio haven of Bronte, Tartaraci spans 3 hectares of vineyards over a total area of 5 hectares.
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This hidden slice of paradise, once owned by the national hero Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson, adds historical charm to the vineyard. Planted with a blend of grapes, including the native Nerello Mascalese and Carricante, Grecanico, and Grenache (Granaccia), Tartaraci boasts century-old bush-trained vines. Buscemi crafts a unique blend of Nerello Mascalese and Granaccia for Tartaraci red and a mix of carricante and grecanico for Tartaraci white, producing micro-quantities of each. The Granaccia, a nod to the Spanish House of Bourbon's influence in the 18th century, softens the acidity of the Nerello Mascalese, adding a plump ripeness to the wine. Vinified at the Graci cantina, the red undergoes fermentation and aging in cement to showcase the fresh fruits of the Granaccia and the mineral, vibrant touch of the Nerello Mascalese. Meanwhile, the white, fermented in large oak tonneaux, elevates the blend with notes of wild herbs, pleasantness, and roundness. These wines truly capture the essence of Buscemi's commitment to producing wines that resonate with both history and innovation.
In the Vineyard
Organic biodynamic practices
Organic farming practices are utilized but the winery is not certified
Total area under vine
3 Hectares
Location of vineyards
Bronte - Contrada Tartaraci
Soil details
Volcanic soil with basaltic stones, iron, copper and zinc
In the Cellar
Winemaker
Mirella Buscemi & Alberto Graci
Fermentation practices
Temperature controlled fermentation in cement for the red, old oak tonneaux for the white
Yeast utilized
Indigenous yeast
Additional notes
Wines produced
Tartaraci Terre Siciliane rosso, Tartaraci Terre Siciliane Bianco
Total production
Depending on the vintage, roughly 7,000 bottles/year
