Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes are grown in the small municipality of Saracena, within Pollino National Park. The Viola family’s 2 ha plot is farmed organically.
Vinification
Muscat is harvested in September and dried in a dedicated room. Malvasia is picked in the first days of October and pressed by hand to avoid damaging the seeds. Its must is slowly reduced at temperatures kept secret by the producer. Once the must has cooled, the dried Muscat grapes are selected berry by berry and added to it. Fermentation proceeds slowly until spring.
Ageing
The wine rests on its lees in stainless-steel tanks for six months.
Tasting profile
Elegant and delicate, with the distinctive aroma contributed by Muscat. The flavour is rich and harmonious, with sweetness from Malvasia.
Label / history
Luigi Viola began reviving Moscato di Saracena in 1999, when the traditional dessert wine had almost disappeared. The wine was known in ancient times and was traditionally served at papal tables. In Old Calabria (1915), Norman Douglas described Saracena as a prosperous town known for centuries for its Moscato, made from grapes reputedly brought from Muscat by the Saracens.
The wine received Gambero Rosso’s highest rating, “Three Glasses,” for four consecutive years. Viola’s revival project was supported by his wife, Margherita, and their sons Roberto, Alessandro and Claudio.