Come nasce una vigna: contrada Praino a Milo

The diary begins in December 2018 with the acquisition of 2 ha of terraces in Milo for TerraCostantino’s first Etna Bianco Superiore. In January 2019 the family began reconstructing the hillside terrace by terrace, respecting land previously shaped by vine rows. February’s entry defines terroir through soil, altitude, exposure, microclimate, vine genetics and inherited human knowledge.

Planting started in March 2019 after the soil and terraces had been prepared and support structures installed. By June 2020, 2 ha had been planted solely to alberello-trained Carricante. In August the straight rows and their first foliage were oriented visually toward the Mediterranean.

By October 2021 the Milo project had become the estate’s second geographic identity alongside Blandano. The principal establishment work was complete by November, leaving the vineyard to develop at its natural pace. May 2022 focused on the labour required to reconstruct steep, narrow terraces. The September 2022 harvest joined family members and generations in a shared transfer of memories and knowledge.

In July 2023 green pruning continued amid unusually difficult conditions. Heavy May and June rain created severe downy-mildew pressure, but intensive vineyard care kept the young vines protected, while the eventual production loss remained uncertain.