Nestled in the scenic slopes of Borgo Prestianni in Caltanissetta, Cantine Amico stands as a testament to vision and ambition. Founded by the forward-thinking Filippo Amico in 1967, what started as an 86-acre land for wheat and olive production
soon gave way to nearly 25 acres dedicated solely to vineyards. This marked the beginning of Cantine Amico’s artisanal wine journey. From its humble beginnings, producing a mere 10,566 gallons annually, the winery has witnessed steady growth.
A generational shift saw the reins being handed over first to Filippo’s son, Michele, and subsequently to grandsons, Filippo Amico and Filippo Natoli.
By 2020, Cantine Amico made significant strides by launching its first label.
Just three years post its maiden bottling, the winery now boasts an impressive annual production capacity of 6,000 bottles a year, though their true potential can reach up to 15,850 gallons.
Despite its growth, Cantine Amico has retained its artisanal character, setting it apart from more industrialized brands. The team, six strong and including the founder’s wife, Maria Terravecchia, remains committed to preserving a tradition that spans three generations.
The product range has expanded to embrace a selection of five reds with unique characteristics to embrace the needs of every palate:
Nero d’Avola DOP: A vibrant purple hue wine with notes of plums, blackberries, dark cherries, and blueberries, further complemented by hints of clove, black pepper, licorice, dark chocolate, and humus.
Cabernet, IGT Terre Siciliane: Deep purplish edges with fragrances of cherries, blueberries, blackberries, and rhubarb.
Syrah, IGT Terre Siciliane: A sensory delight offering mature fruit hints mellowed with vanilla and spices.
Cabernet Syrah, IGT Terre Siciliane: A sublime blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Sangiovese: The crowning jewel of Cantine Amico’s collection, this wine, a newcomer among Sicilian vineyards, offers an intense ruby red color, harmoniously tannic, with a pleasingly bitter and fruity aftertaste.
The wine labels are further graced by the artistry of the renowned artist from Caltanissetta, Michelangelo Lacagnina. The two versions – the Donna di Carta (Paper Woman) for the red labels and Dioniso e Arianna (Dionysus and Ariadne) for the golden Nero d’Avola label – not only enhance the aesthetics but also champion Sicilian heritage. The choice of the subjects represents yet another operation to enhance and promote the Sicilian territory, a source of wealth from which the company draws heavily.
While Cantine Amico’s primary market has been regional, the ambition now is to conquer international arenas. Their stepping stone? The Nexxt Expo’ in Los Angeles from October 19th to 22nd.
All five labels will be showcased at the Sicily Show stand, an initiative by IoComproSiciliano.
Embracing their role as ambassadors of Sicilian excellence, Cantine Amico’s flagbearers, Sangiovese and Nero d’Avola, will grace the gala evening on October 22nd, culminating this international event in style.
