Masseria Setteporte is located on the southwest-facing slopes of Mount Etna, in the Biancavilla sub-region. Owned by the Portale family, the estate has deep-rooted viticultural traditions that were revitalised in the early 2000s by Piero Portale. Certified organic since mid 2000s, their 16.5 hectares under vine are perched at elevations of 650 - 800 metres, and planted on characteristic red volcanic soils, laid out across ancient terraces. This high-altitude site, combined with cooling Mediterranean breezes and significant diurnal temperature shifts, provides optimal conditions for producing refined, terroir-driven wines.
The estate focuses on indigenous grape varieties, primarily Nerello Mascalese – Etna’s flagship varietal - and Nerello Cappuccio for reds and rosés, and Carricante and Catarratto for whites. The Etna Rosso is a blend of 95% Nerello Mascalese and 5% Nerello Cappuccio, sourced from vines on black volcanic soils rich in basaltic lava. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks, followed by ageing in second or third passage barriques, to give elegance and structure to the wine. The Nerello Mascalese is known for its refined aromatic expression and balanced structural elegance. Fermentation is in stainless steel tanks, followed by aging in large neutral oak casks (botti) and concrete tanks to allow for micro-oxygenation without imparting wood flavours
Winemaking at Masseria Setteporte emphasises minimal intervention, aiming to express the unique terroir of Etna. They are a benchmark producer from Etna’s lesser-known southwestern zone, offering precise, authentic expressions of the volcano's complex terroir.