THE VINEYARD

Two hundred hectares of vineyards managed according to production regulations (60 of which are owned), ecosystem balance and choice of the most suitable cultivation practices to best express the potential of the varieties planted: Principe di Corleone's production philosophy is the result of the union between ancient traditions and capacity for renewal.

Today Principe di Corleone manages about 200 hectares of vineyards, of which 60 are owned by the Estate. An important part of the vineyards is managed by direct agreements with other small winegrowers, according to a shared agronomic discipline, centred on qualitative and quantitative criteria that, of course, respond to the production philosophy of the Pollara family. A significant productive lung for the territory of Corleone that has evolved over time, adopting cultivation practices in line with the objectives and production standards and in balance with the rural and natural ecosystem of the area, developing a new awareness of the potential that the interaction between vine and terroir - with a systemic approach to reading micro zones - can generate, affirming the recognisability of product that Principe di Corleone has always sought. Systems of breeding, pruning and cultivation practices respond to this logic and define the organoleptic profile for each variety planted, on a map of production contexts that vary within a few kilometres. The “historical” knowledge and management of agronomic, climatic and productive data for the production staff assumes an extraordinarily important role. Not only to verify the trends of climate change in the medium and long term, but above all to program and define the wine and wine making result in every harvest of Principe di Corleone. The predominant ampelographic heritage for Principe di Corleone is constituted by the native vines of Sicily and of the area in particular, affirming a typicality, especially the indigenous Catarratto and Nero D’Avola grapes and the international Syrah and Chardonnay. Today, in addition to the already mentioned vines, the planted varieties also include Grillo, Muscat Blanc, Inzolia and Pinot Blanc for white grapes; and for red berried varieties, instead, Nerello Mascalese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Most of the vineyards are cultivated with the Guyot pruning system; only Cabernet Sauvignon and some Merlot particles have a spurred cord pruning system. The process of rationalization in the use of water resources is important, with emergency irrigation systems present in most plants. In 2020 the process of conversion to the certified organic rule took shape through investments and targeted hiring of professionals in the sector, led by the family agronomist, Pietro Pollara.

CORLEONE AND THE RURAL SOUL OF SICILY

Corleone is a captivating town in the heart of the Sicilian countryside which offers a kaleidoscope of wonders ranging from the architectural and artistic jewels of the city centre to the pristine natural beauty of the Ficuzza Woods and the enchanting Gorgo del Drago.

For one hundred and thirty years, the Pollara family has served as the vanguard of Corleone's identity within the world of wine. The town and the winery have formed an unbreakable bond, fusing together in a symbiotic relationship that encompasses social, economic, artistic, and tourist dimensions. Corleone's agricultural essence is not just evident in the exquisite wines crafted by the Principe di Corleone winery but also in the warm embrace of the local hospitality and tourism initiatives. Corleone's history is a rich tapestry, with chapters that include the struggles of the Sicilian Fasci and the allure of Hollywood myths which, alongside the cultural heritage and the natural beauties surrounding the town, have all contributed to the touristic growth of the past few decades.

AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES

Successful farming requires a combination of qualities, including sensitivity, experience, and a deep understanding of natural rhythms. This is particularly crucial for sustainable, long-lasting results.

In viticulture, where the cultivation of grapes demands meticulous attention, the awareness of natural rhythms becomes a fundamental prerequisite. The process leading up to the harvest is a complex series of activities tailored to each vineyard's unique characteristics and the grape varieties cultivated. It all starts with two distinct pruning phases, one in the winter, typically around the end of December, and another in the spring. These prunings set the stage for subsequent tasks like the trimming of leaves.To ensure the soil receives the necessary mineral nourishment, the rows are interplanted with nitrogen-rich grasses. Each hectare of vineyard typically accommodates around 5,000 plants.

The grape varieties are categorized in terms of yield per hectare, with Moscato producing the lowest at less than 60 quintals per hectare, followed by Chardonnay at 70 quintals per hectare. Other varieties progressively increase the yield, but none exceed an average of 90 to 100 quintals per hectare.Precise monitoring of the grapes occurs during the pre-harvest phase. Additionally, a visual inspection and tasting in the field are conducted by the agronomist Pietro Pollara and his production team. The harvest is a meticulously manual affair, with grapes carefully collected in boxes. It starts in the first ten days of August and comes to an end between late September and early October with the harvesting of Nerello Mascalese and Catarratto, which are the final vines to be harvested.

THE DOC OF MONREALE

The Monreale DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) area is home to the majority of vineyards producing Principe di Corleone wines, and it boasts a historically rich climatic environment.

This area, which encompasses Corleone and a significant portion of the Palermo province, was once an integral part of the ancient and influential diocese of Monreale.The landscape of Corleone and its surrounding areas is characterized by a diverse terrain that includes hills, plains, and Mediterranean scrub forests. These lands possess unique climatic conditions that are exceptionally well-suited for viticulture, as it plays a substantial role in shaping the varietal characteristics of the grapes and, consequently, the wine they produce. Today, the Pollara family is committed to the preservation of the territory and place great value on the typicality of Monreale DOC wines. Principe di Corleone is at the forefront of efforts to safeguard this viticultural heritage, which is emblematic of the area's values and identity, as beautifully conveyed in the renowned labels of the winery’s Monreale DOC (Ridente Orlando).

BORGO SCHIRO'

Borgo Schirò, a quaint hamlet located just a few kilometers from Corleone, traces its origins back to the late 1930s. This charming village was established with a noble purpose: to provide local farmers with a place to reside in close proximity to the very lands they cultivated. This initiative aimed to prevent the abandonment of these fertile fields, ensuring their continued productivity. The village was dedicated to the memory of Giacomo Schirò, a courageous nineteen-year-old soldier who lost his life during those tumultuous years.

Nestled amidst the picturesque hills that define the Sicilian countryside, Borgo Schirò once thrived as one of the first new rural settlements in Sicily in the late 1930s. In its heyday, this village boasted approximately twenty houses, along with essential community amenities such as a school, a grocery store, a barber shop, a medical clinic, a restaurant, the town hall and a tobacconist (which remained open until the 1990s), and even a church complete with its parish priest. Remarkably, despite the village's gradual depopulation, the parish priest continued to reside there until the early 2000s. Today, Borgo Schirò stands as an intriguing testament to the past, captivating the imagination of visitors who explore its historic streets and buildings. While it is currently uninhabited, it remains one of the area's primary tourist attractions, offering a glimpse into a bygone era. Principe di Corleone is actively involved in a revitalization project, working to breathe new life into this charming village and restore it to its former glory, ensuring that its rich history continues to be celebrated and cherished.