At Dialect Imports, every producer in our portfolio tells a story. But some stories hit especially close to home. Iuppa, located on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, is more than just a winery we work with, it’s owned by our Sicilian cousins. Adele, the mother of our co-founder Christina and wife of Anthony Solazzo, used to travel to visit her family in Catania, Sicily every summer while growing up. She’s remained especially close to her cousin, Adriana, whose husband Angelo purchased an abandoned winery several years ago and has been bringing it back to life ever since. That personal connection makes each bottle a celebration of family, heritage, and a place we love.
A Family Affair on the Slopes of Etna
Though a relative newcomer to the Sicilian wine scene, Iuppa has quickly made a name for itself. Since its founding by Angelo Iuppa, the estate has garnered a series of accolades from some of the most respected voices in wine, including Bibenda, Veronelli, a Silver Medal and 92 points from Decanter, 91 points from James Suckling and several recent 90+ point ratings from Vinous. Not bad for a small, family-run project rooted in one of Italy’s most dynamic wine regions.
Today, the next generation, including Marco Iuppa, has become more involved in the estate, ushering it forward with the same dedication to quality, sustainability, and authentic expression.
Contrada Salice: Terraced Vines Between Volcano and Sea
The vineyards are located in Milo, on Contrada Salice, one of the highest and most prized zones on the eastern slope of Mount Etna. Azienda Agricola Iuppa is below a vast valley, the Valle del Bove, which shelters the town from Etna’s continuous eruptions. Here, the vines cling to stone-walled terraces that face the Ionian Sea, with panoramic views and a constant maritime breeze. The unique intersection of volcanic soils, altitude, and coastal influence yields wines of striking tension, minerality, and elegance.
Iuppa works exclusively with indigenous Sicilian grape varieties, including Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio, Carricante, and Catarratto. Consequently they produce wines that are both their own and typical of Etna.
In the Cellar: Letting the Land Speak
Winemaking at Iuppa is guided by a minimal-intervention philosophy. Native yeasts, careful handling, and restrained use of oak ensure that each wine is a transparent lens into its vineyard source. The results are wines of clarity, balance, and longevity, built for both the table and the cellar.
Wines to Watch
- Lavi Etna Bianco Superiore DOC – A fresh, mineral-driven white made primarily from 90% Carricante and 10% Catarrato, grown in Milo. Bright citrus, salty tension, and a balanced finesse.
- Clo Etna Rosso DOC – A textbook Nerello Mascalese blend with delicate red fruit, wild herbs, and volcanic spice. A full and warm wine with elegant softness and velvety tannins.
- Piccolot Spumante Etna DOC – A Champenoise method sparkling wine of freshness and character. 100% Nerello Mascalese. Refined bouquet or orange blossom, citrus, hints of vegetable and mineral. Excellent as an aperitif.
Why Iuppa Matters to Us
Every producer we partner with at Dialect Imports brings something special to the table, but Iuppa brings family to the table. Working with our Sicilian cousins means we’re not just sharing great wine, we’re sharing a piece of our own story. Their success is a source of immense pride, and their wines reflect everything we value: honesty, heritage, and the living identity of a place.
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