Mandrarossa

Mandrarossa draws from the finest vineyard sites within Cantine Settesoli's 6,000-hectare operation in southwestern Sicily, near the ancient ruins of Selinunte. Since opening their own winery in 2021, Mandrarossa has built one of Italy's largest solar-powered production facilities and shifted focus toward single-site wines. What sets them apart: rigorous soil mapping by Pedro Parra has identified 500 hectares of premium vineyards from 160 growers, with limestone soils flagged as highest potential. You're buying wines shaped by precise terroir knowledge, not volume.

About Mandrarossa

Mandrarossa was first produced in 1999 but gained real direction when consultant winemaker Alberto Antonini, working with Pedro Parra and head winemaker Mimmo De Gregorio, restructured their vineyard selection. The estate sits close to the sea—limestone geology and varied elevations work with the cooling maritime air and temperate climate to deliver consistent quality across multiple exposures. That proximity to water and limestone geology matters: it's why their Nero d'Avola and Grillo perform so well vintage after vintage.

The producer works across three tiers. Their native varieties showcase Sicilian classics: Nero d'Avola, Grillo, Grecanico, and dry Zibibbo. International varieties include Syrah, Chardonnay, Fiano, and Viognier. The 'Selection' wines carry contrada (small district) names—most notably Cartagho, sourced from a sandy vineyard in Torrenova, Sicily's acclaimed source for Nero d'Avola. At the top sit single-site wines from 75 hectares across 37 growers, where terroir becomes the star.

Sustainability isn't marketing here: the winery runs entirely on solar power and integrates visibly into the surrounding hills. Giuseppe Bursi's cooperative leadership has stabilized quality while maintaining the flexibility to work with 2,000 member growers. You're buying from a producer that mapped its own soils, knows its microclimates, and invests in the land itself.

Mandrarossa Wines in Our Collection

For reds, the 2021 Cartagho Nero d'Avola (90pts Jancis Robinson, 91pts Tom Cannavan) is the flagship: concentrated, structured, and proof that limestone-based vineyards produce depth. The 2024 Nero d'Avola (89pts Falstaff) gives you the house style at fair drinking: rich, intense, food-friendly. The 2022 Zibibbo Secco (90pts Wine Enthusiast) bridges white and red: dry, aromatic, mineral. Choose Cartagho for serious cellaring; choose the core Grillo or Nero d'Avola for immediate pleasure.

Food Pairing

Grillo and Fiano pair with pasta alle vongole, seafood risotto, and grilled swordfish. Nero d'Avola handles arancini, caponata, grilled lamb, and aged cheese. The Zibibbo Secco works with salted fish, brined vegetables, and light cured meats. Syrah matches roasted pork and herb-forward Sicilian meat dishes. These wines thrive with the island's cuisine: seafood, olive oil, capers, lemon, and char.

What makes Mandrarossa different from other Sicilian producers?

They invested in soil mapping via expert Pedro Parra to identify 500 hectares of premium vineyards. Their 2021 winery runs entirely on solar power. They focus on single-site wines from carefully selected microclimates near Selinunte.

Which Mandrarossa wine should I buy first?

Start with the 2024 Grillo (90pts) or 2021 Cartagho Nero d'Avola (90pts Jancis Robinson). The Grillo shows freshness; Cartagho demonstrates structure and ageing potential.

Are Mandrarossa wines sustainable?

Yes. The winery operates with one of Italy's largest solar installations and integrates fully into the landscape. They source from 500 hectares chosen for quality and environmental fit.

Who makes Mandrarossa wines?

Mandrarossa, part of Cantine Settesoli's operation in southwestern Sicily, opened its own winery in 2021. Consultant winemaker Alberto Antonini, Pedro Parra, and head winemaker Mimmo De Gregorio restructured vineyard selection. Giuseppe Bursi leads cooperative management across 2,000 member growers.

What style of wine does Mandrarossa make?

Mandrarossa produces native Sicilian varieties—Nero d'Avola, Grillo, Grecanico—and international grapes like Syrah, Chardonnay, and Fiano. Their reds are rich and intense; whites range from tropical and balanced to buttery and complex. The 2025 Grillo scored 90 points.

How much does Mandrarossa wine cost?

Mandrarossa wines range between £12.75 and £23.30. Core releases like Fiano, Grillo, and Nero d'Avola sit around £12.75–£13.35. Premium single-site selections such as Cartagho Nero d'Avola reach £23.30.