There is only one word to describe Sicily’s wine scene and that is exciting. This is a passionate and ancient winemaking region, famous for elegant, dark reds and refreshing whites that often offer incredible value. Aside from the easy-going wines, Sicily is also a hotbed for organic, biodynamic, and natural wines. Thanks to its warm, dry climate organic winemakers face relatively less of a challenge than in many other areas of the world.
The natural wine movement in the Alcamo area is gaining momentum, and it’s particularly exciting due to the region’s historical connection to the Catarratto grape, which forms the backbone of Alcamo Bianco DOC. Alcamo, located in the province of Trapani, northwest of Sicily, has long been known for its wine production, especially white wines made from flagship Catarratto-a grape that thrives in the area’s limestone soils and cool coastal winds.
In recent years, a new generation of winemakers has embraced organic farming and minimal intervention winemaking, pushing the natural and artisanal wine movement forward in the region. These winemakers are rediscovering the full potential of native grapes and there are a number to watch out for. Nero D’Avola is the most famous red variety with its dark fruit, liquorice, and wild herb flavors. On the whites, Catarratto is a surprisingly interesting, variety that is full of yellow fruit and citrus flavours. Catarratto also makes exceptional orange wines.
Keep an eye out for other varieties like the zesty Grillo and Nerello Mascalese, which, though known for its smoky, tannic qualities on Mount Etna, take on a milder and surprising character when grown in the Trapani area.
The wines I’m sharing today are made by people who are shaping an exciting future for the region’s wines. They truly embody a sense of freedom, bursting with Mediterranean, deeply Sicilian flavors. They strike the perfect balance, with medium alcohol and body, and a refreshing acidity that leaves you craving more.
Elios was founded in 2015 when two friends, both dissatisfied with their careers, decided to take a different path-one that aligned with their passion for natural wine and their deep connection to Sicily. Despite coming from different backgrounds, they shared a common goal: to reclaim their families’ agricultural lands, which had long been under the control of large industrial groups that paid little for their grapes and olives.
Determined to bring new life to these lands, they chose to produce natural wine using a low-intervention approach-free of chemicals and additives-allowing the grapes to fully express their character. In their home province of Trapani, most farmers cultivate vines but do not make wine, preferring the security of selling to major wineries at low prices. Instead, Elios took the risk of winemaking, driven by a vision to showcase the true potential of the region.
Beyond wine, Elios is also dedicated to preserving Sicily’s rich agricultural traditions through extra virgin olive oil-carefully produced rather than sold in bulk-and honey, a new endeavor inspired by a deep respect for bees, using native Sicilian hives.
All of Elios’ wines are crafted from organic grapes, without additives, selected yeasts, or unnecessary intervention-just minimal sulfites and pure Sicilian energy. The vineyards, located in Alcamo, Camporeale, and Monreale, grow native varieties such as Grillo, Zibibbo, Nero d’Avola, Catarratto, and Nerello Mascalese.
“Modus Bibendi” Bianco 2022
“Modus Bibendi” Bianco is made from pure Grillo grapes grown in Camporeale at 300m altitude on clay-limestone soils. Fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel, it ages for 7 months on fine lees, adding depth and texture.
In the glass, it reveals a delicate balance of citrus, white peach, hawthorn, and green tea, with subtle balsamic hints. On the palate, it’s fresh, savory, and crystalline, evoking lemon, salt, and sea. Dynamic yet gracefully aging, this is a unique take on Grillo-elegant, expressive, and never ordinary.
Bosco Falconeria
Just outside Palermo, Bosco Falconeria winery, located in Partinico, in the hills overlooking the Gulf of Castellammare, has been an integral part of the family since 1933. Organic since 1989, it’s now led by Natalia Simeti, who pours her heart into making honest, expressive wines and some fantastic artisanal vinegars too!
On 17 hectares of organically nurtured land, amid almond, lemon, loquat, and other fruit trees, the family cultivates Catarratto and Nero d’Avola on red limestone soils at 250m altitude. Their commitment to sustainability and deep respect for biodiversity isn’t just a philosophy. It’s a way of life, ensuring that every step of production safeguards both the land and the people who work it. The winery runs off-grid, using renewable energy, lightweight bottles, and recycled paper to minimize its impact.
Natalia continues the legacy of her father, Antonio, who embraced organic farming long before it was a trend. Like him, she believes in stepping back, respecting nature, and letting the wine speak for itself-learning, evolving, and staying true to the land, year after year.
"Falco Peregrino" 2022
“Falco Peregrino” is a 100% Catarratto macerated white wine with pronounced character. Fermented spontaneously on the skins and aged 9 months in steel, it’s crafted without added sulfites, letting the grapes shine naturally.
Skin contact brings depth and texture while keeping the wine fresh and vibrant. Natalia calls it “summer red or winter white”. On the nose, unripe plum, coke apples, and hay lead the way, unfolding into more spicy and complex, exotic notes. The sip is dry and full-bodied, slightly tannic, with a deliciously savory-bitter finish.
Alessandro Viola
Alessandro Viola is one of Sicily’s rising winemaking talents, part of a new generation redefining the island’s wines. His family-run winery in Alcamo, nestled between Trapani and Palermo, benefits from cool sea breezes that climb up Mount Bonifato, where limestone and sandy soils create the perfect terroir for expressive, authentic wines.
Winemaking runs in Alessandro’s blood-his father made wine for the family table, and alongside his brother Aldo, he grew up immersed in the craft. After studying enology and viticulture and gaining global experience (along with a passion for windsurfing), he returned home, dedicating himself entirely to the land.
Tending 5 hectares on Mount Bonifato at 600-700m altitude, Alessandro works with Catarratto, Perricone, and Nero d’Avola, while an additional seven hectares in Santa Ninfa and Pietrarenosa nurture Grillo, Nerello Mascalese, Nero d’Avola, and Syrah. The vineyard’s geological fault line brings a rare mix of sandy and limestone soils, combined with underground water and cooling winds, resulting in wines full of vibrancy and depth.
His farming philosophy is to respect the land. No chemicals, just hand-plowed soil, cover crops of fava beans and clover, and a commitment to biodiversity. In the cellar, he embraces minimal intervention, using a mix of epoxy and steel tanks, Marsala botti, and French oak barrels, with only a touch of sulfur at bottling.
"Sinfonia di Rosso" 2021
“Sinfonia di Rosso” 2021 is pure Nerello Mascalese expressing a soul distinct from its Etna counterparts. Fermented spontaneously on the skins and aged 7 months in 500L chestnut barrels.
It bursts with lively red fruit- cherries, dried redcurrants, and cranberries, balanced by warm baking spices, wild herbs, and a whisper of smokiness and de-salted capers. Elegant and earthy, it carries a unique energy, one that lingers, awakens the senses, and feeds the spirit with every sip.
Tags :
alcamo,artisanal wine,natural wine,sicilian winery
