Giovinco: A Century-Old Legacy Reborn in Sicily
Here at K&L, we are constantly searching for producers who offer a true sense of place, whose wines tell the story of a family and a specific piece of earth. Today, we are thrilled to introduce you to Giovinco—a name that embodies both a deep respect for tradition and a dynamic vision for the future of Sicilian wine. This is a story that stretches from the historic, sun-drenched vineyards of Sambuca di Sicilia to the electric, volcanic slopes of Mount Etna.
The Heartbeat: The Hidden Gem of Sambuca di Sicilia
The Giovinco family’s story is not one of newcomers, but of deep, generational roots. They have been grape growers—vignaioli—in the Sambuca di Sicilia region since their grandfather first purchased vineyards in 1920. For over a century, they cultivated their land, understanding its rhythms and potential.
Their home is the Sambuca di Sicilia DOC, a small and often overlooked jewel in western Sicily's viticultural crown. Officially established in the 1970s, the appellation is home to a winemaking tradition that goes back centuries, yet it has remained off the radar for many wine lovers. Giovinco is at the very forefront of a quality renaissance, rediscovering the incredible potential of this unique terroir.
The magic of Sambuca lies in its soil and climate. The landscape is dominated by calcareous clay soils. This specific soil type is a viticultural treasure: the clay component has excellent water retention properties, creating a vital reservoir for the vines during the hot, dry Sicilian summers. This prevents the vines from shutting down and allows for a long, even ripening process. Meanwhile, the limestone (calcium carbonate) in the soil is key to developing good structure and, crucially, retaining acidity in the grapes—a challenge in such a warm climate.
This unique soil is complemented by the microclimate created by the nearby Lago Arancio (Orange Lake). In a region where daytime temperatures can soar to 40°C (104°F), the lake provides a moderating influence, creating significant day-to-night temperature swings. These cool nights are essential for preserving the grapes' aromatic complexity and fresh acidity, resulting in wines of remarkable balance.
A Tale of Two Terroirs: The Call of Etna
While their heart remains in Sambuca, the Giovinco family’s ambition led them to another of Sicily’s great terroirs: Mount Etna. In 2011, they acquired a three-hectare plot in the prestigious Contrada San Lorenzo on the northern slope. This dual-region project allows them to explore two distinct and compelling expressions of Sicily, guided by winemaker Vito Giovinco's consistent hand.
Philosophy: Certified Organic, Mindfully Made
The Giovinco family’s respect for their land is unwavering. Their vineyards in Sambuca have been certified organic since 2006. In the cellar, the approach is clean and precise. They use selected yeasts and temperature control but employ a philosophy of minimal intervention, allowing the quality of their meticulously farmed fruit to shine through.
We are honored to be among the first to bring Giovinco’s exciting new releases to the United States. Each wine tells a different part of their fascinating story.
2023 Giovinco "Sgarretta" Nero D'Avola Sambuca di Sicilia $19.99 So, what makes Nero d'Avola from Sambuca di Sicilia so special? It’s all about balance. In many warmer parts of Sicily, Nero d'Avola can become heavy or overly jammy. Here, in the Sgarretta vineyard, the Giovinco family crafts a wine that captures the grape's generous spirit without sacrificing elegance.
The calcareous clay soil provides the foundation, building a wine with structure, depth, and a subtle mineral backbone. The hot days ensure perfect phenolic ripeness, yielding classic flavors of black cherry, plum, and a touch of licorice. But it’s the cool nights, thanks to Lago Arancio, that truly define this wine. They lock in a vibrant acidity that brings freshness and energy to the palate, lifting the rich fruit and making this a sophisticated, food-friendly red. Aged for six months in large, neutral oak casks and six months in bottle, it’s a beautifully pure expression of a very special place.
2024 Giovinco "Alma" Catarratto "Alma" $14.99 is Giovinco's take on one of Sicily's most important indigenous white grapes. Reflecting their clean winemaking style, this Catarratto is bright, aromatic, and bursting with Mediterranean character. Expect notes of citrus, white flowers, and a crisp minerality that makes it incredibly refreshing and versatile.
2023 Giovinco Etna Bianco $24.99 From their high-altitude vineyards on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, this Bianco is a masterclass in tension and complexity. Primarily made in stainless steel to preserve its vibrant, mineral-driven core, about 10% of the wine is aged in wood, adding a subtle layer of texture and spice. It’s a wine that crackles with the energy of its volcanic terroir.
2022 Giovinco Etna Rosso $24.99 A blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio from their parcels across the mountain. Aged in a combination of tonneaux and large casks, this Etna Rosso is both powerful and elegant. Notes of wild red berries, ash, and spice lead to a structured palate with fine-grained tannins and a long, persistent finish.
We invite you to discover the wines of Giovinco—a producer a century in the making, and a new Sicilian star on the rise.