Alessandro Viola Blanc de Blancs NV

Alessandro Viola is a pioneering natural wine producer based in northwestern Sicily, near the town of Alcamo in the province of Trapani. Operating from his 7-hectare organic estate, Viola has established himself as one of Sicily's most respected winemakers through his unwavering commitment to minimal intervention viticulture and pure expression of native grape varieties.

Born and educated as both an agronomist and oenologist, Viola's philosophy centers on a simple yet profound principle: making wine using only grapes. This approach stems from both ethical considerations and his belief that the purest wines deliver superior taste. His estate focuses exclusively on indigenous Sicilian varieties including Grillo, Catarratto, Nero d'Avola, Nerello Mascalese, and Syrah, each expressing the unique characteristics of Sicily's diverse terroir.

Viola's vineyards benefit from the island's distinctive climate, where Mediterranean breezes meet mineral-rich limestone and clay soils. His winemaking process emphasizes spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts, with wines bottled unfiltered and unfined. Notably, he adds little to no sulfites, ensuring his wines remain as close to their natural state as possible.

The estate produces several acclaimed wines, including the flagship Note di Bianco from Grillo grapes and an exceptional Blanc de Blancs sparkling wine made from Catarratto using the méthode champenoise. His wines have gained international recognition for their purity, elegance, and authentic expression of Sicilian terroir.

Viola's dedication to organic practices and biodiversity preservation extends beyond winemaking, reflecting a holistic approach that respects the natural balance of his vineyard ecosystem.

Sicily stands as Italy's largest island and most extensive wine region, positioned strategically in the Mediterranean Sea across the Strait of Messina from the Italian mainland. This ancient winemaking territory boasts a rich viticultural history dating back over 3,000 years, with influences from Greek, Roman, Arab, and Spanish civilizations shaping its unique wine culture.

The island's diverse geography creates multiple distinct terroirs, from volcanic soils around Mount Etna to limestone-rich coastal areas and inland clay deposits. Sicily's Mediterranean climate features hot, dry summers and mild winters, with cooling sea breezes providing essential temperature moderation. These conditions prove ideal for both indigenous and international grape varieties.

Sicily's native grape varieties define its viticultural identity. Red varieties include Nero d'Avola, the island's flagship grape producing structured, full-bodied wines, and Nerello Mascalese, particularly renowned on Mount Etna's volcanic slopes. Frappato offers lighter, more elegant reds, while white varieties like Grillo, Catarratto, Carricante, and Inzolia create wines ranging from crisp and mineral to rich and complex.

The island encompasses several important wine zones, with Etna DOC gaining international acclaim for its elegant reds and whites from volcanic soils. Marsala remains famous for its fortified wines, while Cerasuolo di Vittoria represents Sicily's only DOCG designation. The broader Terre Siciliane IGT classification allows winemakers flexibility in grape selection and blending.

Modern Sicilian winemaking has experienced remarkable transformation since the 1990s, transitioning from bulk wine production to quality-focused viticulture. Many producers now embrace organic and biodynamic farming practices, with natural wine movement gaining momentum. This shift has elevated Sicily's international reputation, attracting investment from renowned Italian and international wine companies.

Today's Sicilian wine scene balances respect for traditional varieties and methods with innovative techniques and modern technology. The region produces everything from elegant traditional-method sparkling wines to powerful age-worthy reds and crisp, mineral-driven whites. Sicily's wines increasingly showcase the island's unique terroir characteristics, offering exceptional value and authentic expressions of Mediterranean winemaking heritage.