Azienda Agricola Palari Sdf
Messina Brig, Sicily, Italy
No other Sicilian producer has received as many awards and notes of distinction as Salvatore Geraci. His Azienda Agricola, Palari, based on an 18th-century farmhouse, is located in the province of Messina Brig, Sicily. Reverence of Sicily’s historical wine culture is one of the primary ideals Geraci upholds. The jewel in his winery’s selection is the Faro, a wine produced on the Straits of Messina in antiquity. Geraci was the first to resume production of this noble wine, and with the help of modern techniques (such as refrigeration) he is able to consistently produce Faro and Rosso del Soprano, and to have them shipped around the world. Because of his efforts, Faro, Palari is recognized as a unique (albeit tiny) DOC.
All his production comes from six hectares of sparsely planted vines. Geraci’s vineyards are situated on a steep, 70% grade, southeast-facing slope that can only be worked by hand. The microclimate is unique, 420 meters (1400 feet) above sea level, cooled by an almost constant salty breeze. The ancient native grapes of this region evoke curiosity whenever they are heard: Nerello, Nocera, Tignolino, Cappuccino, Cor ‘e Palumba, Acitana, Galatena, Calabrese, and so many others introduce novices to Italy’s rich history of viticulture. It was always Geraci’s goal to build a market of eager consumers for Sicily’s interesting varietals, thus preserving them from extinction.
Low yields, fascinating grapes, and a climate-controlled cellar are Geraci’s keys to success. When the indigenous mix is brought into the cellar, the grapes simply undergo a gentle pressing, temperature-controlled fermentation, and maturation in oak barrels.