La Ripresa
COUNTRY: Italy
REGION: Sicily
Thomas Ligas, Meli Ligas
After spending 20 years learning wine making techniques in Burgundy, Sébastien Burel started on his new project in 2021 in Sicily, situating La Ripresa on the North-West slopes of Mount Etna. Here, he has meticulously cultivated vineyards across two distinct plots: Tartaraci, where volcanic black sand soils rise to 950 meters, and Sorge, characterized by white marly soils at an elevation of 900 meters.
Central to Sébastien’s philosophy is his dedication to organic farming and agroforestry practices, a commitment that involves reclaiming the land from years of chemical treatments. His meticulous care in the vineyard and cellar is evident in every bottle, showcasing not only the potential of Etna’s volcanic soils but also Sébastien’s vision to produce wines of exceptional character and integrity.
In the cellar, Sébastien adopts a hands-off approach, allowing the grapes’ natural characteristics to dictate the winemaking process. He believes in the importance of late bottling, giving the wines ample time to mature and express the unique terroir of Etna. This patient approach results in mountain wines that are vibrant, nuanced, and true to their origins.
CUVÉES
Grenache
Region: Mount Etna
Grape: Grenache
“Sorge”
Region: Mount Etna
Grape: Nerello Mascalese, Grenache, Pinot Noir
“Tartari”
Region: Mount Etna
Grape: Nerello Mascalese,