Alessandro Viola Note di Bianco Grillo 2024

Michaels thoughts - Allesandro Viola is a boutique producer located towards the Western side of the island of Sicily. With varying altitudes, 5ha on Mount Bonifato (600-700m elevation) and 7ha in Santa Ninfa (250m elevation) the distinct soil variation and climates allow Alessandro to utilise the considerable charm of these vineyards to make engaging and delicious wines. The Note di Bianco is a wine produced from a variety that is hardly grown outside of Sicily named Grillo. Alessandron is a fourth generation vigneron based out of Alcamo. After completing his oenology training on the mainland, he returned home to focus solely on indigenous Sicilian varieties (Grillo, Cataratto, Nero d'Avola & Nerello Mascalese).

The winemaking is very hands off and Alessandro steers away from any intervention where possible. Graoes are grown organically, spontaneous fermentation, he wine spends a few months on lees to build texture and complexity before bottling unfined, unfiltered and with minimal SO2 addition. The character of this wine is undeniable, beautifully framed freshness and exceptional acid balance. It is bright, complex and showcases the absolute best quality one can hope for from Grillo.  Michael Morgan