History
Citrus Farmers since 1200 in Etna and Catania, the Mineo Family moved to Corleone in 1750 to plant vines, olive gardens and build wineries and olive mills. They established themselves as one of the region’s leading winemaking families, and were much respected for all the support to the local community by sharing their knowledge and expertise. The Miccichè family arrive in the Jato Valley in 1750 and their entrepreneurial spirit led them to renting 250 hectares of land from the Prince of Camporeale. They populated the largely hilly lands with vines and cotton bushes in the areas adjacent to the Jato river.
The Costanza Family were originally farmers in Alcamo, the fourth largest city in the province of Trapani in north-western Sicily. They moved to the beautiful medieval town of Corleone to become grain traders at the end of the century.
The first winery was built in the Valle dello Jato , in an area that is still known as Case Miccichè. This has been further developed by Vincenzo Miccichè, who was to emerge as a leading entrepreneurial figure of great respect in the Sicilian wine trade and community at large.
Miccichè and Costanza families immigrate to Tunisia at the La Petite Sicilie, the community of Sicilian people in Tunisi, and set up the vineyards over there.
Rosa Mineo married Antonio Miccichè and they had a son, Vincenzo Miccichè, who is the father of Maurizio and Giuseppe Micciché. Rosa’s father, Giuseppe Mineo, was the founder of the Catholic Cooperatives in 1926.
1958 saw the marriage of Anna Costanza Lazio and Vincenzo Miccichè uniting the three dynasties - Miccichè, Costanza and Mineo.
The radical authoritarian nationalism enforced the closure of the Catholic Cooperatives leading to considerable unrest in the community. In 1968 doctor Vincenzo Miccichè showed his real community leadership, for which he has become renown by creating the growers cooperative of Castel di Maranfusa in San Cipirello.
The Calatrasi winery in San Cipirello was built by the Vincenzo Miccichè and further developed by his sons, Giuseppe and Maurizio from 1987. Guardians of tradition and eager to foster local development through community projects, they helped to lead the socio-economic change from feudal to modern agricultural and supportive systems.
More than 600 hectares of vineyard were acquired by Casa Vinicola Calatrasi in Corleone, ranging from 600 to 1100 metres above sea level, with a South-East aspect offering calcareous and clayey soil, and the best conditions to make high quality wines with unique personality.
In 2000 the Tunisian winery Domaine Neferis was founded and now nestling in 211 hectares of vineyards in Sidi Salem, Grombalia, renown for producing exceptional wines of Tunisian identity and French influence. Neferis was the first company in North Africa to be Fair Trade certified.
2002 saw further expansion for the company when land was acquired in the Salento area of Apulia. The vineyards are situated in the Brindisi area, the land between two seas that forms the ‘heel’ of Italy’s boot. 204 hectares of Primitivo and Syrah grapes are located at 50 metres above sea level. The unique terroir aided by the skill of the winemakers enables us to produce wines of strong character and much consumer appeal.
In 2004 the company made its last acquisition of Land in Mazara del Vallo, which looks out to Tunisian coast. 121 hectares of Nero d’Avola and Petit Verdot grapes are located at 85 metres above sea level. South aspect and sandy soil, Guyot/ Cordon Espallier tillage create a unique terroir for excellent wines.
In 2009 Calatrasi was named as the best Italian wine producer at The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC). This much valued international award was a true reward for all the team at the Calatrasi Winery and Vineyards, and recognition of the high quality wines it offers.
Calatrasi awarded the organic wine producer certification by Suolo e Salute in accordance with the EU Regulations 834/07: 207 hectares of vineyards owned by MDE are 100% organic.
Year 2014 has seen the complete restructuring of the company and the creation of Mediterranean Domains & Estates, which encompasses the history and tradition of over 250 years with a modern outlook to meet today’s consumer needs and desires.