Spedalotto

Chiaramonte Gulfi is known in Sicily as il balcone della Sicilia (Sicily's balcony) because of its high position atop the Monte Iblei ridge. The altitude and climate here guarantee a perfect environment for growing olives, and the area is under the strict quality control laws of a Denominazione di Origine Protetta (D.O.P.), guaranteeing olive oil excellence year after year.

The farm now known as Agricola Spedalotto was built at the end of the eighteenth century by Romualdo Mattia Lorefice Platamone, VII baron of Mortilla. In 1779, he began to plant large olive groves and vineyards to produce olive oil and wine for export throughout Europe. Since 2010, it has belonged to Vincenzo Paterno' and his family. 

Vincenzo organically farms the 7,500 Tonda Iblea olive trees on the 42-hectare estate and the entire complex is self-sufficient from an energy point of view: the sun takes care of providing electricity and hot water! Harvesting is done entirely by hand before crushing in a nearby frantoio (olive mill). Careful decanting into stainless steel tanks plus one month of settling ensure a beautifully clear oil.

At the center of the estate, surrounded by the olive groves, is Domus Olivae, an elegant luxury villa restored and modernized by Vincenzo that is available to rent.