Santo Pietro Reserve: among cork oaks and fine wine - With the participation of Azienda Vitivinicola Daino (Caltagirone)

November 13, 2016 -
The Bosco di Santo Pietro Oriented Nature Reserve was established in 1999, near a small village twenty kilometers from Caltagirone. From 390 meters above sea level, it slopes gently toward the Vittoria plain, bordered to the west and north by the Terrana and Ogliastro valleys, to the east by the Ficuzza stream, and to the south by the borders of the municipality of Acate. The undergrowth is exceptionally rich, boasting over 300 plant species. Three main habitats define the green heritage of Santo Pietro: the cork oak forest, the holm oak forest, and the garrigue. The monumental cork oaks of the forest, once described with admiration by chroniclers of the past, have largely disappeared today. A recent census conducted by the Fondo Siciliano per la Natura confirmed the presence of about fifty cork oaks and several carob trees with trunks measuring three meters in circumference. In the Molara district, a specimen of Quercus suber still stands proudly, reaching 6.2 meters. During our walks in the woods, we often encounter porcupines, hares, wild rabbits, and weasels. Wild cats and foxes are also present. Among the birds, ninety-six different species can be observed, including the jay, as well as rare species such as the great spotted woodpecker, the penduline tit, and the kestrel.

Fee: € 22.00 includes guide services, insurance, organization, and lunch at the Azienda Vitivinicola Daino, owned by Gianfranco Daino, a passionate hiker and producer of organic wines.

Technical details about the winery hosting our lunch:
Located in Caltagirone – a UNESCO World Heritage site, in the heart of Sicily, between the Gela and Catania plains. 9,000 vines per hectare at 325 m a.s.l., inside the Bosco di Santo Pietro. Majestic, centuries-old cork oaks (Quercus Suber, the name of the wine).
Thriving flora and fauna. A great marriage between territory and climate. The "Maestranza dei Vigneri" was born in Catania in 1435. An association of winegrowers, Etna, and viticultural professionalism where producer-growers are the protagonists. After 500 years, the reality of Etna and Eastern Sicily. Experience, historical, social, and technical research for "excellence" in viticulture. Tools and non-invasive systems, respect for tradition wherever possible, and ancient native grape varieties—no distortions dictated by vanity, selfishness, or hubris. The spirit and pleasure of working well, no frenzy, harmony first and foremost with oneself and with everything that surrounds us: nature, the Etna volcano, of which we are a part, not masters. An organic system of viticulture that respects the environment.
Enologist: Salvo Foti, researcher of the territory and Etna wines. He has worked with Donnafugata on passito and white wines… and also with Gulfi! The birth of Suber: the Alberello (bush-trained) vine training system to offer each plant the right portion of soil and sun. Sunlight reaches all vines equally and with the same intensity, eliminating shading between plants. This three-dimensional spatial arrangement allows wind and sun to circulate around them. As old winegrowers say: the bee must be able to fly around the vine.
Manual cultivation phases: Pruning follows lunar phases, performed with shears crafted by local artisans just as in the old days. Surface roots are removed to stimulate the plant to grow deeper. "Green pruning" is used to rebalance the plant's vegetation during the summer and contain its canopy. The soil is enriched with nutrients through natural and organic fertilization (sheep and horse manure) according to organic farming regulations.
Soil: Sandy, Mediterranean soils with an intense red color overlying sandy-arenaceous rocks—a breezy, dry climate that gives the grapes harmonious richness and gustatory complexity.

The fee does not include: packed lunch and travel fuel costs.
Meeting point: Sunday at 08:00 AM at the S.S. 514 Ragusa/Catania, C/da Coffa Lukoil gas station (Chiaramonte Gulfi) or in front of the Natural History Museum in Santo Pietro at 09:00 AM. 
End of excursion: 04:30 PM in Santo Pietro 
Travel: own car
Difficulty: easy 
Loop trail: 5 hours of walking – Forest track, marked path.
Required equipment: trekking clothing, small backpack, k-way (rain jacket), hiking boots, waterproof jacket, hat, sweater, 1.5 liters of water.
Guide: Salvatore Marletta: contact 3334987946
Email: [email protected] [email protected]