I'm very happy that Slow Wine has once again awarded La Chiocciola to Cantine Barbera this year.
It’s a recognition that fills me with pride, not only for the acknowledgment of the work we’re doing at the winery, but also because it’s the only one given to Menfi and the province of Agrigento.
La Chiocciola isn’t just an award for good wine, but for the way a company embodies the values of the Slow Food philosophy, summarized in the three principles of Good, Clean, and Fair: quality production that respects ecosystems and the people working within them.
Only 16 Sicilian wineries have received this recognition. These winemakers are deeply in love with their vineyards, they respect the grapes and handle them with great care and attention, transmitting through their wines the value of the land and the biodiversity they help to protect.
Almost all of them are certified organic, and some – including us – are also certified biodynamic.
This is incredibly important. We’ve just finished the 2024 harvest, where we have felt the effects of climate change in all their dramatic intensity: eight months without a drop of rain, the worst drought I’ve seen in 25 years, severely testing the resilience of Sicily’s agricultural systems and revealing their fragility. The fact that an internationally renowned Wine Guide acknowledges the value of those who practice a respectful viticulture, serves as a motivation to continue working hard to protect our territories and to spread awareness and education.
Along with La Chiocciola, there’s also a special Slow Wine award for Ammàno #11, a wine with a rich texture, crisp fruit, a citrusy-salty soul, and a gratifying drinkability.
Also included in the Guide are four other wines:
- Ciàtu 2021: a sip full of the energy of the Mediterranean shrub, with an acidic texture that underlines a juicy fruit.
- Tivitti 2023: an intense nose with hints of peach and apricot; a light, fragrant sip filled with savory sensations.
- Microcosmo 2019: sharp, metallic, and contrasting.
- Coda della Foce 2016: silky, with expressive vegetal notes.
