Lucio, Conte Tasca

Lucio Tasca D’Almerita was a horseman who competed in eventing at the 1960 Roma Olympics, but he was best known for his expertise in wine. Tasca cultivated a passion for wines from the 1960s. Considered a master of innovation and experimentation, his wines were exported from Sicily to almost all continents. Tasca developed an interest in French varieties and in 1979 convinced his father, Giuseppe, to grow Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. In doing so, he introduced Sicilian Cabernet and Chardonnay to the world in 1988 and 1989, respectively. In Sicily, known simply as “Count Lucio”, he was one of the pioneers of the island’s enology.

Over the years, the historic estate of the Tasca family in the county of Sclafani was joined by estates in Salina, in Tascante at the foot of Mount Etna, the Whitaker estate on the island of Mozia, and some hectares in Camporeale near Palermo. His European relations and his global vision helped him make Sicily a center of the wine business.