Viola-Longarico Cataratto "Nostrale" 2022
We have 12 in stock (Inventory is live and accurate)
The Land
“Nostrale” is from the sun-soaked hills of western Sicily, near Alcamo, where the island’s inland breeze meets the salty influence of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The vineyards rest on calcareous clay and sandstone soils at moderate elevations, bringing freshness and lift to a region known for its heat. Catarratto—Sicily’s most widely planted native white variety—has long been associated with bulk wine, but in the hands of sensitive growers and in the right terrain, it becomes something else entirely: vibrant, textured, and quietly powerful. This is the Sicily of ancient varietals and raw potential, and Nostrale taps directly into that current.
The Wine
The 2022 Nostrale is 100% Catarratto, made with a gentle touch and a clear intention to express place over polish. Fermented spontaneously with native yeasts and aged in neutral vessels, it is unfiltered, unfined, and shows a quiet haze in the glass—a sign of life rather than intervention. The aromatics lean savory and Mediterranean: lemon peel, camomile, pineapple, and a hit of wild fennel. On the palate, it’s saline, stony, and structured, with a firm core of acidity wrapped in a lightly waxy texture. No makeup, no oak—just Catarratto, clean and characterful, with a slightly grippy finish that invites food and thought.
The People
Viola–Longarico is a collaboration between two friends: Calogero Caruana, who farms the vineyards in Sicily, and Filippo Rizzo of Lamoresca, known for his deep roots in Sicilian natural wine. Together, they work under the guiding principle that wine should reflect the land and the people who tend it. Farming is organic, hands-on, and deeply respectful of the environment. In the cellar, nothing is rushed and nothing is added unless truly necessary. Nostrale—meaning “ours” in Italian—is their tribute to the everyday Sicilian table wine of the past, reimagined with purity, restraint, and reverence. It’s not trying to impress—it’s trying to connect.
We ship wine to most states with a $100 minimum order for shipping. We don't ship spirits nor beer.
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Sicily, Italy’s largest island, blends ancient wine traditions with a fresh wave of modern creativity. Its star red grape, Nero d’Avola, thrives in the island’s warm, sun-soaked climate, producing intensely flavored wines with dark fruit and a hint of savory spice. Along the western coast lies the historic heartland of Marsala, a fortified wine prized for both sweet and dry styles. Rising above the island’s varied landscapes is Mount Etna, an active volcano whose mineral-rich soils and cooler elevations result in elegantly structured reds and nuanced whites. From coast to crater, Sicily’s wine culture is as diverse and vibrant as the region itself.
Italy - Sicily
Practicing Organic vineyard farming involves growing grapes using organic methods—avoiding synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and fungicides—but without formal certification. Wineries adopting this approach prioritize environmental health, soil vitality, and biodiversity, using natural practices such as composting, cover cropping, and manual pest control. Many small wineries opt for practicing organic methods rather than pursuing official organic certification, primarily due to the significant cost, paperwork, and time commitment involved in certification processes. As a result, practicing organic is a popular choice among boutique and artisanal producers who remain committed to sustainable agriculture while managing budgetary constraints.
