Sallier de la Tour: A Historic Sicilian Estate Committed to Sustainability

History of the Estate

Sallier de La Tour, home to the La Monaca winery, near Palermo, Sicily, traces its origins to 1909. The history is most fascinating. Its story intertwined with another influential Sicilian wine family in 1956, when Paolo Sallier de La Tour married Costanza Tasca d’Almerita. The winery historically cultivated Sicilia’s native grape varieties, as well as carefully selected international grapes.  However, Filiberto, Paolo’s son, later steered the estate toward exploring the potential of Syrah in the island’s unique terroir. In 2008, the estate became part of the broader holdings of the historic Tasca d’Almerita family, which took stewardship of the property. Since then, the estate has balanced noble heritage with modern winemaking and sustainability, honoring both land and legacy.

Terroir

Tenuta Sallier de la Tour is within the Monreale DOC in northwest Sicily, a landscape where Mediterranean sun, sea breezes, and varied soil types give grapes a unique sense of place. The vineyards, with an altitude of around 350 meters above sea level, sit on soils with a mix of clay, sand, silt, and some limestone — a terroir that offers good drainage as well as mineral richness.That blend of bright climate, balanced soils, and care for the land makes Sallier de la Tour a vineyard where both native and well-chosen international varieties can shine, producing wines that speak of Sicily’s heart.

Sustainability is central to how Sallier de la Tour operates. The estate’s landscape includes about 50 hectares of vines, while the rest of the grounds are dedicated to olive groves, streams, and natural areas, preserving biodiversity and the native flora. Tenuta Sallier de la Tour estate holds sustainability certifications from SOStain and VIVA—programs that monitor environmental, economic, and social parameters: from water and soil health, to air, biodiversity, and responsible vineyard management, as well as overall social and economic responsibility. This charge manifests in farming practices, selection in the vineyard, and how the estate treats the surrounding land, aiming for a long-term, regenerative relationship with nature. 

This focus continues to broaden. In 2022, the estate extended its sustainability focus to its packaging by adopting the “Centopercento Sicilia” bottle. Produced with up to 90% recycled glass sourced entirely from Sicilian waste streams, the bottle was developed through a collaboration between the Sicily SOStain Foundation and O-I. The wines also feature distinctive labels illustrated by artist Gianluca Biscalchin, who honors the family’s noble heritage by portraying native plants dressed in traditional Sicilian attire—symbolizing deep roots, a long-standing presence in the region, and a commitment to protecting its biodiversity. All of these sustainable commitments reflect the vision of Alberto Tasca, President of Tasca d’Almerita, who helped found SOStain and continues to lead the foundation today. 

The Wining Hour with Sallier de la Tour

I was delighted to get more acquainted with Tenuta Sallier de la Tour wines at the Sicilia Doc event in NY, Assovini’s Sicilia en Premier and in the comfort of my home. What a treat!

Sallier de la Tour Inzolia Sicilia DOC 2024

100% Inzolia from estate vineyards and captures the bright Mediterranean personality of Sicilia in every sip. This crisp and expressive white wine is fermented in stainless-steel and aged on fine lees for about four months (without malolactic) to preserve freshness and purity.  It opens with notes of citrus blossom, white peach, lemon zest, and green apple, layered with subtle herbal tones and a clean mineral finish. Crisp acidity and gentle salinity make it especially refreshing alongside seafood, light pasta dishes, or simply enjoyed on its own outdoors.

Sallier de la Tour Nero d’Avola Sicilia DOC 2022

Nero d’Avola is a favorite Sicilian single varietal that undergoes fermentation and malolactic, then aging partly in stainless steel and partly in French oak barrels. This is an attempt to balance fruit, depth and structure.There’s a nose, plum, black cherry, spice and a hint of licorice. The palate is juicy yet structured, with a finish that is both fresh and savory. Pizza makes a delightful pairing.

Sallier de la Tour Syrah DOC 2022

Should I mention that I love Sicilian Syrah? Tenuta Sallier de la Tour’s 2022 Syrah demonstrates that Syrah can really thrive in Sicilia’s climate and geography.  Made from 100% Syrah, the wine is aged partly in French oak and partly in stainless steel, giving it balance.  In the glass, it shows a deep ruby color with purple highlights. Floral aromas emit, along with blackberry, and a gentle touch of smoke. The palate is smooth and medium-bodied, offering juicy dark fruit, soft tannins, and a lively acidity that keeps the wine bright. Hints of black pepper, herbs, and a light mineral finish add complexity without heaviness.

Sallier de la Tour La Monaca Syrah, Monreale DOC 2021

Shaped by the Monreal terroir, La Monaca is one of their standout wines. Rightfully so. Sallier de la Tour’s 2022 Syrah demonstrates that Syrah can really thrive in Sicilia’s climate and geography.  Made from 100% Syrah, the wine is aged partly in French oak and partly in stainless steel, giving it balance.  In the glass, it shows a deep ruby color with purple highlights. Floral aromas emit, along with blackberry, black cherry, and a gentle touch of vanilla. The palate is smooth and medium-bodied, offering juicy dark fruit, soft tannins, and a lively acidity that keeps the wine bright. Hints of black pepper, herbs, and a light mineral finish add complexity without heaviness.

Sallier de la Tour continues to stand out as a Sicilian estate that honors its heritage while embracing thoughtful, forward-looking practices. Here, we are provided with a true example of what Sicily can do when heritage meets dedication. From native varieties to modern expressions like Syrah, the winery captures the character of Monreale’s sun-drenched hills with clarity and purpose. Each wine reflects a balance of place, precision, and respect for the land.