Alessandro Viola Sinfonia di Rosso 2021

The Alessandro Viola winery in the Alcamo region of Sicily is a testament to the dedication and expertise of its namesake owner, Alessandro Viola. Covering a modest 7 hectares, the estate is planted with local varietals such as Grillo, Nero d'Avola, Nerello Mascalese, and Catarratto, all dedicated to producing natural wines.

Alessandro, a viticulturist and oenologist with national and European experience, manages every aspect of the winemaking process, from vineyard cultivation to vinification. He holds degrees in viticulture and enology, reflecting his deep understanding and passion for winemaking.

The philosophy at Alessandro Viola Winery is straightforward yet profound: to make wine using only grapes. This approach is driven by ethical considerations and a firm belief that the purest wine offers the best taste. In line with this philosophy, the winery focuses on maintaining the natural balance of the soils, relying on their inherent fertility and avoiding external fertilizers and herbicides.

Alessandro's commitment to producing pure, natural wines is evident in every bottle, showcasing his deep respect for the soil and the environment. This approach has positioned the Alessandro Viola winery as a notable player in the natural wine scene, particularly in 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.

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 contributing to Sicilian wines' complexity. The volcanic soils of Mount Etna, in particular, add a unique mineral character to the wines produced there.

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, 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 inMoscato 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 Notable 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.

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.