Alessandro Viola is a prominent natural wine producer based in Alcamo, a picturesque area in northwestern Sicily. He has gained significant recognition for his commitment to organic farming and non-interventionist winemaking, creating wines that reflect the grapes' purity and the region's unique terroir.
Viola's vineyard spans 7 hectares and is home to various native Sicilian grape varieties, such as Grillo, Catarratto, Nero d'Avola, Syrah, and Nerello Mascalese. His focus is on minimal intervention, using spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, and his wines are unfiltered and unfined. Significantly, he adds little to no sulfites, ensuring that his wines stay as close to their natural state as possible.
One of Viola's signature white wines is Note di Bianco, made from 100% Grillo grapes. This wine is renowned for its crisp, zesty nature, with citrus and white flower aromas. Another standout is his Rosso wines, like Note di Rosso, which blends Nero d'Avola and Syrah to create vibrant, fruit-forward reds with spicy, earthy notes. His use of carbonic maceration and skin contact in some wines adds complexity and a playful, fresh texture while maintaining a natural purity.
The winemaker also collaborates with other local producers, such as Luigi Stalteri, under Longarico, reflecting their shared passion for reviving small-scale, artisanal Sicilian winemaking. Their wines are seen as a tribute to the land. Alessandro is particularly vocal about maintaining a sustainable and ethical approach in the vineyard and respecting the area's biodiversity.
Alessandro Viola's philosophy is simple yet profound: "wine is made in the vineyard," not in the cellar. His dedication to organic practices stems from environmental considerations and a firm belief that natural wines taste better when free of artificial inputs. His wines are a testament to Sicily's thriving natural wine movement.
Note di Bianco
Alessandro Viola's Note di Bianco is a natural white wine crafted from 100% Grillo, a native Sicilian grape variety. Grown organically on Viola's 7-hectare vineyard near Alcamo, the Grillo grapes perfectly reflect the terroir of northwestern Sicily. This wine is emblematic of Viola's minimal-intervention philosophy—spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, no fining or filtering, and no added sulfites.
Note di Bianco 2022 is known for its zesty, crisp profile, featuring vibrant aromas of white fruits and citrus blossoms. The palate is refreshing and light, making it an ideal pairing with seafood dishes, especially lemon-marinated halibut, or as a delightful aperitif. The wine's purity and balance of fruit, acidity, and minerality make it a benchmark for Grillo-based natural wines.
Alessandro Viola Note di Rosso
Alessandro Viola's Note di Rosso is a vibrant and expressive red wine crafted with a blend of 80% Nero d'Avola and 20% Syrah, two grape varieties that thrive in Sicily's warm climate. This wine is grown organically on Viola's estate in Alcamo, which reflects his dedication to minimal intervention and natural winemaking techniques.
Note di Rosso offers a bright, fruit-driven profile with aromas of ripe red berries and plums and subtle hints of spice and white pepper. The Syrah adds complexity and a touch of spiciness, while the Nero d'Avola contributes depth and structure. On the palate, the wine is fresh, juicy, and crunchy, with balanced acidity and smooth tannins, making it a perfect companion for a variety of foods, from grilled meats to pizza or charcuterie.
Alessandro Viola Rosé
Alessandro Viola's Rosé is a natural wine made from 100% Nero d'Avola, one of Sicily's most celebrated grape varieties. Viola's organic farming methods and commitment to low-intervention winemaking shine through in this fresh, vibrant rosé. The wine is produced using spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts and without adding sulfites, making it an authentic expression of the grape and the Sicilian terroir.
The Rosé boasts a light, refreshing body with delicate notes of red berries, such as strawberries and raspberries, alongside subtle floral hints. Its bright acidity adds to its crisp, clean finish, making it a perfect wine for warm weather and a versatile companion for a wide range of dishes, from grilled vegetables to seafood or light pasta.
Alessandro Viola Rosso Isi
Alessandro Viola's Rosso 'Isi' is a vibrant and fresh red wine showcasing his natural winemaking philosophy. This Sicilian blend is crafted primarily from Nero d'Avola (60%) and Nerello Mascalese (40%), two indigenous grape varieties that thrive in the island's Mediterranean climate. Grown organically on Viola's 7-hectare vineyard located on Mount Bonifato near Alcamo, the grapes benefit from a unique terroir of limestone, sand, and clay soils at altitudes between 250 and 700 meters. This diverse landscape, combined with Sicily's sunny days and cool breezes, imparts character and balance to the wine.
Rosso' Isi' undergoes spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts and is aged in stainless steel for about 6 to 7 months. True to Alessandro's low-intervention approach, the wine is bottled unfiltered and unfined, with only minimal sulfites added. The result is a juicy, fruit-forward red with aromas of dusty blackberries, purple flowers, and an intriguing touch of black olives and oregano. It's lively and fresh on the palate, with a slightly tingly sensation that adds a playful element, making it perfect for enjoying slightly chilled. This versatile and food-friendly wine pairs well with charcuterie, pasta dishes, and even light summer fare like grilled vegetables.
Alessandro Viola Carricat
Alessandro Viola's Carricat is an exciting white wine from Sicily. It is made from a blend of Carricante and Catarratto, two indigenous grape varieties that thrive in the region. This wine reflects Viola's natural winemaking philosophy, with grapes farmed organically and vinified with minimal intervention. Carricat undergoes a short skin contact maceration (about 48 hours), which adds a subtle texture without overpowering the wine's bright and refreshing character.
Carricat is notable for its saline, mineral freshness, citrus aromas, and distinct sea breeze quality, capturing the essence of Sicily's coastal terroir. Aged for about six months in fiberglass tanks, this wine is light, easy to drink, and full of energy. The flavors are dominated by vibrant citrus juice, making it an ideal choice for seafood dishes like crudo or baked fish or simply enjoyed as an aperitif.
Alessandro Viola Sinfonia di Rosso
Sinfonia di Rosso is made from 100% Nerello Mascalese, a native Sicilian grape known for its complex and earthy characteristics. The grapes are grown organically, and the wine undergoes spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts. Aged in oak casks, this red wine delivers aromas of ripe red fruits, pepper, and forest floor, with notes of balsamic and a touch of minerality on the palate. It balances its vibrant fruit profile and earthy undertones, offering a lively, structured finish.
Alessandro Viola Sinfonia di Bianco
Sinfonia di Bianco is made from Grillo, another indigenous Sicilian variety. This white wine is crafted using skin-contact fermentation for six days, giving it a lightly textured, orange-wine style. The wine is aged in chestnut barrels, which imparts additional depth and complexity. It has a fresh and saline profile, hints of citrus, dried stone fruits, and a subtle earthiness. The result is a rich, textured white wine that maintains great balance and showcases Grillo's uniqueness.
Alessandro Viola Le Mie Origini
Alessandro Viola's "Le Mie Origini" is a remarkable natural white wine made from 100% Catarratto, a native Sicilian grape variety. Sourced from his organically farmed vineyards in Alcamo, Sicily, this wine captures the essence of Viola's minimal-intervention philosophy. The Catarratto grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts and are aged for around nine months in chestnut barrels. This technique imparts a unique richness and texture to the wine while preserving the natural acidity and minerality of the grapes.
"Le Mie Origini" is celebrated for its complex aromatic profile, with notes of juicy peach, spiced apricot, fresh hay, and blossom honey. It also has a characteristic saline freshness, making it rich and refreshing. The wine's umami-bomb flavor profile is further enhanced by a long, balanced finish, which makes it incredibly food-friendly. Pairings often include seafood, such as grilled prawns or Mediterranean dishes.
Alessandro Viola Blanc de Blancs Metodo Classico
Alessandro Viola's Blanc de Blancs Metodo Classico is a sparkling wine that showcases his expertise in blending traditional methods with natural winemaking philosophies. This 100% Catarratto wine is crafted using the Méthode Champenoise (also known as Metodo Classico in Italy), the same process used to make Champagne. This involves a second fermentation in the bottle, which gives the wine its signature fine bubbles and complexity.
Viola's vineyards are located in Alcamo, Sicily, where the Catarratto grapes thrive in the region's limestone-rich soils and Mediterranean climate. The wine undergoes a long aging process on its lees in the bottle, which adds a rich texture and depth to the palate. This sparkling wine displays ripe citrus, honey, and brioche flavors with a delicate minerality that balances the wine's natural acidity.
Known for its golden color and fine mousse, Alessandro Viola's Blanc de Blancs has a layered, complex character that reflects the purity of the Sicilian terroir. The wine is unfiltered, and like all of Viola's wines, it is made with minimal intervention, adding to its natural elegance and unique expression. This sparkling wine is ideal for special occasions. It pairs beautifully with seafood, light appetizers, and cheeses but also stands on its own as a sophisticated aperitif.
