Longarico Nostrale Catarratto 2022

Longarico is a collaboration between Luigi Stalteri and Alessandro Viola, whom we know very well for his spectacular Sicilian wines, Note di Bianco, Note di Rosso, Sinfonia di Bianco, Sinfonia di Rosso, Rosso Isi, Rosato, and Blanc de Blancs. The project was started by the two friends in 2015, in the ancestral home of Luigi’s grandfather in the hills surrounding Alcamo, Western Sicily.

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is renowned for its rich winemaking history, which dates back over 2,500 years. The island's diverse terrain and microclimates make it one of Italy's most varied wine regions, producing a wide range of wines from indigenous and international grape varieties.

Nero d'Avola is Sicily's most widely planted and celebrated red grape. It produces wines with deep color, robust flavors, moderate structure, and a mix of dark fruit and spice notes. The wines can range from youthful and easygoing to complex and age-worthy. Frappato, often blended with Nero d'Avola, adds floral and fruity notes and is the primary grape in Sicily's only DOCG wine, Cerasuolo di Vittoria. Nerello Mascalese, grown primarily on Mount Etna, produces elegant wines with high acidity and minerality, often compared to Barolo and Burgundy. It is frequently blended with Nerello Cappuccio.

Catarratto is the most planted white grape, and it is used predominantly for bulk production. Grillo and Inzolia are crucial for Marsala, a fortified wine from the western part of the island. Carricante, from Mount Etna, produces dry, mineral-laced wines with high acidity. Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria) is used in Moscato di Pantelleria, a sweet, sun-dried wine.

Sicilia DOC: This broad, island-wide appellation was established in 2011 to promote Sicily's native grapes and ensure quality production. It encompasses a variety of wine styles and grapes, including international varieties like Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Etna DOC: Located on the slopes of Mount Etna, this region is renowned for its unique volcanic wines. Etna Rosso is made primarily from Nerello Mascalese, while Etna Bianco is based on Carricante. The region's high altitude and volcanic soils contribute to the wines' distinct minerality and complexity.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG: This is Sicily’s only DOCG, producing wines from a blend of Nero d’Avola and Frappato. The wines are known for their vibrant red color, cherry flavors, and balanced acidity.

Marsala DOC: Known for its fortified wines, Marsala is made from Grillo, Inzolia, and Catarratto grapes. It can range from dry to sweet and is often used in cooking and for sipping.

Other DOCs: These include Alcamo DOC, known for its fresh white wines; Menfi DOC, which produces full-bodied reds and whites; Noto DOC, focusing on dry reds from Nero d'Avola; and Pantelleria DOC, famous for its sweet wines made from Zibibbo.

Sicily's climate is predominantly Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The island's diverse topography includes coastal plains, rolling hills, and mountainous regions. This variation in elevation and proximity to the sea creates multiple microclimates that contribute to the complexity of Sicilian wines. The volcanic soils of Mount Etna, in particular, add a unique mineral character to the wines produced there.

Sicilian winemakers combine traditional and modern techniques to produce their wines. Organic and sustainable farming practices are increasingly common, with many producers focusing on preserving the natural environment and enhancing the expression of their unique terroir. Wines are typically aged in a combination of stainless steel, concrete, and oak barrels to achieve the desired balance of fruit, acidity, and tannin.