Monte Pietroso

The search for a Grillo site

Tenuta Monte Pietroso emerged from a prolonged study and search for a place where Grillo could be cultivated in keeping with a precise variety-led philosophy. The chosen hills of Monreale combined elevation, a north-facing position, loose sandy-loam soil and the influence of sea air carried inland by the Tramontana.

The estate encompasses two named contrade, Monte Pietroso and Marchesa. Its Grillo grapes are destined for Shamaris, conceived as an expression of the site's natural freshness, sapidity, aromatic character, elegance and capacity to age.

Tenuta Monte Pietroso lies in the high hills of Monreale, in the province of Palermo, at approximately 400 m above sea level. Its vineyards are associated with two contrade: Monte Pietroso and Marchesa.

The site faces north. The Tramontana blows from that direction and carries fresh maritime air into the hills; the sea remains close enough for its influence to be perceptible in the wind. This exposure and airflow are associated with the aromatic freshness and elegance sought in the estate's Grillo.

The soil is loose sandy loam. It was selected for Grillo because the variety retains natural freshness and develops sapidity here, reinforcing its character, elegance and ageing potential.

The Grillo vineyards are planted at a density of 5,000 vines per hectare and managed to a stated yield of 7,500 kg/ha. Harvesting is carried out manually into cases during the first half of September.

Site selection was deliberate and centred on Grillo. The objective was to find a place capable of expressing the variety in a manner consistent with the broader project’s philosophy rather than planting it in an interchangeable location. The combination of elevation, sandy-loam soil and maritime air was chosen to preserve natural freshness and sapidity while developing aromatic character, elegance, complexity and ageing potential.