In these times of rampant egocentrism, which often devolve into the hypertrophy of the ego, it is truly refreshing to encounter people like Salvatore Martinico. Suddenly, a sense of proportion and humility become a norm. Salvatore, a Marsala-based enologist and consultant for renowned Sicilian wineries with significant experience in the Langhe, Bordeaux, Chile, and Argentina, has twenty-three harvests, a plethora of awards and accolades to his name. Yet, when he speaks about himself, his story, and his work, he always downplays, where he could easily boast without taking anything away from anyone. Even when discussing his new project, he remains grounded and considers the future with a measured perspective. The idea, which may seem quite simple at first glance, revolves around a return to the roots: producing wine under the family name “Martinico & Figli,” just as his father Ciccio Martinico did before him.
Currently, the total production stands at around 15,000 bottles, with just five labels. The “Fra le vigne” line includes Grillo, Frappato, and Nocera, wines made from a careful selection of individual vineyards scattered throughout Sicily. The “Viali di Altarello” line features Catarratto, while the “Viali di Menna” line offers Nero d’Avola. For the “Viali” line, the wines are sourced from vineyards in the best geographic areas of western Sicily. Salvatore plans to produce wines only in years of exceptional quality, without ruling out the possibility of adding new labels should he fall in love with a new vineyard in another part of Sicily. They will set up a new winery in the space currently housing the laboratory of the alchemist Salvatore Martinico in Marsala.
Our wine tasting
Fra le Vigne Grillo 2022 – 2019
From a single vineyard of Grillo grapes located in Pispisa at Segesta, owned by winemaker and restaurateur Leonardo Asta, consisting of 7,000 plants. Planted in 2007 at 450 meters above sea level, the soil is a medium-textured limestone exposed to the north. For the 2022 vintage, the grapes were hand-harvested into small baskets on September 12th. It was aged in steel for 8 months. The nose offers clear aromas of flowers and citrus notes, while the palate presents a tense, savory, expressive, and gastronomic profile. The true revelation, however, comes from the 2019 vintage—a wine that is both profound and dynamic, and one of the best Grillos I have ever tasted. Side note: A few days later, I visited the Pispisa vineyard. The Temple of Segesta turns its back on it, making it an enchanting and mystical place. Nothing happens by chance, as Carl Gustav Jung might have suggested.
Fra le Vigne Frappato 2021
From a single vineyard of Frappato grapes, located in Santa Maria a Racalmuto, consisting of 1,700 vines owned by the Burruano brothers. They planted the vineyard in 1994 at an altitude of 550 meters above sea level. The soil consists of a medium-textured calcareous mix with clay fractions and faces southwest. In late September 2021, they hand-harvested the grapes in small baskets. Aged in steel for 8 months. The nose reveals intense notes of pink fruit and delicate spiciness. On the palate, it is round with a velvety tannic structure, and is an expressive wine.
Fra le Vigne Nocera 2018
From a single vineyard of Nocera grapes, located in Locco at Rodì Milici, consisting of 3,000 plants, owned by Alessandro Salvo. They planted the vineyard in 2007 at 240 meters above sea level. The soil, rich in clay and limestone stones, faces northeast. The grape harvest took place by hand in small baskets on September 14, 2018. It ages for 12 months in stainless steel tanks. Here is another masterpiece by Salvatore Martinico. On the nose, the aromas are intense: wild berries, elegant spiciness, and delicate balsamic notes. The palate is deep, airy, and harmonious—a wine of great charm.
Viali di Altarello Lucido 2021
From grapes sourced from vineyards located 350 meters above sea level in the Altarello area of Salaparuta. It is aged in stainless steel tanks for 6 months. The nose is clear, with notes of white-fleshed fruit and citrus. On the palate, it is dynamic, with good minerality and freshness, making it a particularly food-friendly wine. Starting in 2022, it will be called Catarratto instead of Lucido.
Viali di Menna Nero d’Avola 2021
The vineyards are located 250 meters above sea level in the Menna district of Salaparuta. It is aged in steel for 8 months. On the nose, red fruit, particularly cherry, appears clear, with subtle notes of chocolate and balsamic. The palate is balanced, with fine tannins, and it finishes with excellent persistence.
In ancient Greek, the term ‘Philia’ (φιλία) describes true and selfless friendship—a fraternal bond formed through camaraderie and shared intentions. Dedicated to Pietro Di Girolamo.
