Catarratto 'Orange AV01' Rallo 2023

The Catarratto Orange is the intense and uncompromising expression of western-central Sicily, born in that territory between Alcamo and Monreale with a long artistic and winemaking tradition, resulting from the wonderful synthesis of local, Arab, and Norman culture. From the most ancient traditions of the territory and the expertise of Cantine Rallo comes this orange wine with a strong character and untamed nature, the result of the collaboration between owner Andrea Vesco and artisan winemaker Aldo Viola. The name with which this label was launched on the market celebrates the collaboration between two personalities who, by a fortunate coincidence, have the same initials: AV.

The Catarratto Orange Rallo is born from a selection of the best grapes coming from the Patti Piccolo area at 350 meters above sea level, the same used for the label "Beleda". The vines are over 20 years old, are south-facing, and cultivated under certified organic farming practices. After the harvest, which is carried out strictly by hand, a rather complex production process is planned in which, consistently with the philosophy of wine expert Aldo Viola, spontaneous nature seems to be the protagonist. A first pressing is carried out with whole clusters, that is, without destemming, and the must ferments spontaneously in large 50 hl acacia barrels. Meanwhile, a second pressing of grapes with skin maceration for 24 hours is performed. Both musts then flow into steel tanks where spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts can complete and where malolactic fermentation also takes place. During this process, no sulfites are added, and the resulting wine is never filtered, in order to enhance and express the most authentic and wild soul of the Catarratto grape.

This orange wine from Rallo combines the exuberant richness of Sicily with the rustic roughness of tradition in a fascinating, generous, and very complex synthesis, like Arab-Norman art. It illuminates the glass with a golden color of a cloudy, fleshy, and material consistency, with orange hues. On the nose, notes of citrus peel, oriental spices, dried fruit, aromatic and Mediterranean herbs, animated by energetic yet composed volatile pushes. The sip is dynamic, taut, dry, and structured, characterized by an electric freshness, intense and saline sapidity, and light tannins in the finish. Richness from the Arab spice market and agile Norman momentum in a tasting experience that is not immediately comprehensible, awakening the archetypal forms of a multifaceted and syncretic culture.