u r t o r y
The Amato Family and Ronaldo Amici : Pioneers of Lo Stagnone’s Wine Renaissance
In the enchanting coastal landscape of Marsala, where the northern winds mingle with the briny aromas of the Mediterranean, a story of extraordinary passion, vision, and collaboration unfolds. At its heart is a partnership between Ronald Amici, a Master Sommelier with three decades of expertise, and the esteemed Amato family, guardians of Marsala’s finest vineyard sites. Together, they have embarked on a journey to create wines that not only capture the soul of Lo Stagnone but also aim to redefine excellence in the world of fine wine.
A Fortuitous Encounter That Sparked a Dream
Ronald Amici’s journey to Marsala began as a personal retreat. Drawn to the gentle winds of Lo Stagnone Bay as an avid kite surfer, he had stepped away from his illustrious career. Yet, he was captivated by the vineyard-covered landscape stretching to the sea, the mineral-rich soils, and the unique microclimate. Over several years, he observed the land’s rhythm—the sun-drenched days, cooling northern breezes, and scarce rainfall—all of which hinted at the potential for exceptional wine.
Amici’s vision crystallized: here, where nature offered perfection, he would create wines that expressed the terroir’s full potential. His journey, however, would not be a solitary one.
A Partnership Rooted in Excellence
The Amato family, long-time stewards of Marsala’s most coveted vineyard plots, played a pivotal role in bringing Amici’s dream to life. Initially skeptical of Amici’s proposal to cultivate a few rows of their vines, the family soon recognized his unmatched passion and expertise. What began as a tentative experiment evolved into a bold collaboration, with the Amatos overseeing meticulous care of the soils and vines while Amici introduced innovative cultivation methods drawn from his global experiences in Austria and Australia.
Together, they focused on Nero d’Avola, Grillo, and Zibibbo, cultivating the grapes with uncompromising dedication. No machines were used; every vine was hand-tended, and every grape harvested with care. The Amato family’s intimate connection to the land and Amici’s mastery of winemaking created a partnership that promised excellence.
Our Story
o w I t A l e g a n
The Harmony of Nature and Music
For Ronald Amici, winemaking is a blend of art and science, deeply intertwined with nature. This philosophy is exemplified by his unique practice of playing classical music in the vineyards. Daily, the harmonies of Pavarotti, Debussy, and Chopin flow through the vines and into the winery, where they accompany the hand-sorting, gentle pressing, and fermenting of the grapes. Amici believes these soothing vibrations elevate the vines’ vitality and influence the wine’s character.
Initially viewed as eccentric, the practice earned admiration when early tastings revealed the exceptional quality of Amici’s grapes. Peppe Amato, the family’s young winemaker, remarked during one tasting, “This isn’t just fruit; it’s a flavor explosion.”
An Exceptional First Harvest
The first harvest yielded only small quantities of wine, carefully aged in French barriques. Yet the results astonished everyone involved. The wines showcased extraordinary depth and purity, a direct reflection of the terroir. The Amato family, initially cautious collaborators, became fervent advocates, fully committing to the shared vision of crafting world-class wines.
Despite this success, Amici and the Amatos remained focused on refining their craft. Their goal was clear: not merely to produce good wine but to create great wine—wines that evoke stories, emotions, and the essence of Lo Stagnone.
A Collective of Visionaries
The project soon caught the attention of Marsala’s winemaking elite, including Giacomo Manzo and Pietro Montaldo of the renowned Cantina Chitarra. Their expertise in winemaking and analysis, combined with the Amato family’s profound knowledge of the land, elevated the endeavor further. Together, the team adopted a philosophy of minimal intervention: no additives, minimal sulfur, and drastically reduced yields—just 1 to 2 kilograms of grapes per vine, among the lowest in the industry.
Looking to the Future
The wines produced to date are experimental and will not be sold. However, plans for the future are ambitious. Starting in 2025, the wines will debut in international competitions to gather critical feedback from wine experts, including Master Sommeliers and Masters of Wine.
The first vintage available to the public will be the 2026 harvest, set for release in 2028 in highly limited quantities. Given the painstaking methods and restricted yields at the Lo Stagnone Vista Mare vineyard, production remains a labor of love rather than scale.
To offer enthusiasts an intimate connection to the journey, the Sono-Qui Wine Club, capped at 100 members, invites aficionados to experience this extraordinary adventure from the outset.
A Love Letter to the Terroir of Lo Stagnone
Through their collaboration, the Amato family and Ronald Amici have not only created wines but a testament to their shared passion for Lo Stagnone. These wines are not mere beverages but masterpieces born of patience, precision, and respect for nature. Each sip tells a story, blending the timeless traditions of Marsala with groundbreaking innovation.
As the project evolves, it remains an expression of the enduring bond between land, people, and purpose. For the Amato family and Ronald Amici, wine is not just a craft—it is a celebration of life, a sensory journey, and an ode to Marsala’s soul. And this journey is just beginning.
AWARDS
c l o t a g o n e V i s t a M a r e
crafts people
e u K y P o p l e
Founder & Owner
Executive Director
Senior Winemaker
Viticulture Manager
Milestones
m e r s o f r e a t i v e H i s t o r y
2020
The Beginning
2021
Building the Winery
2022
First Vintage Nero D'Avola - Grillo
2023
Second Vintage Nero D’Avola – Grillo
First Vintage Zibibbo
2024
Third Vintage Nero D'Avola - Grillo Second Vintage Zibibbo
2026
First Vintage for Club Members
Our Wine Club will be established for wine lovers and wine experts
sustainability
o r A m i c , i n e i s m o r e n a p r o d u c t — i t i s a n e x p r e s s i o n o f a r t a n d n a t u r e
For Amici, wine is more than a product—it is an expression of art and nature. This philosophy is reflected in his unique practice of playing classical music for the vines. Daily, the sounds of Pavarotti, Debussy, and Chopin resonate through the vineyards, both during the growth phase and in the winemaking process. Amici believes that these harmonious vibrations enhance the vitality of the vines and refine the character of the wine. Initially met with skepticism, his method became a local talking point, especially after early tastings revealed the exceptional quality of his grapes.
The Amato family, owners of some of the best vineyard sites in Marsala, was initially skeptical when the seasoned Master Sommelier Ronaldo Amici asked if he could cultivate a few rows of their vines.
But his passion and knowledge convinced them, and an experiment unlike any other began. Combining cutting-edge techniques from Austria and Australia with traditional handcraftsmanship, Ronaldo Amici focused on Nero d’Avola, Grillo, and Zibibbo grapes. No machines were allowed—every vine was meticulously tended, and every cluster of grapes harvested by hand.
