Wine enthusiasts intrigued by sustainability and eco-friendliness may find interest in giving Alileo a chance. The Sicilian natural wine label has introduced four varieties, crafted using traditional techniques from the western shores of Sicily, focusing on environmental awareness. Alileo opted for a bag-in-box design as it is easier to transport than conventional glass bottles, resulting in reduced shipping emissions and a smaller carbon footprint. Additionally, the unconventional packaging and organic viticulture techniques also guarantee that the 100% unfiltered wine maintains its freshness for a full 30 days after opening.
Those who may scoff at wine without a bottle might be unaware of what they are missing out on. Along with the assurance of prolonged freshness, boxed wines offer flexibility in terms of portability for outdoor summer gatherings. Boxed wines, with their convenient spout, enable impromptu aperitifs, unlike bottles which imply a more committed occasion.
Conceived by the duo Antonio Bertone and Alexandra Drane, Alileo is crafted in collaboration with Bertone’s family in Sicily before being imported to the United States. A collaborative effort, Bertone’s relative passionately produces the wine in the coastal town of Marsala, Italy, renowned for its Marsala Wine and Sea Salt production. Bertone’s family manages the winemaking and distribution aspects of the brand.
“Alex and I have long harbored ambitions of starting a wine enterprise with our Sicilian relatives,” expressed Bertone, Alileo’s co-founder. “In 2020, my Sicilian-born mother was diagnosed with a terminal ailment, which served as the catalyst to turn our dream into a reality. We wanted to ensure my mother felt that our bonds with Sicily remained strong. Consequently, we have crafted a splendid wine, steeped in our Sicilian heritage, that serves as a financial support pillar for our Sicilian kin.”
Alileo’s varietals are 100% natural, unfiltered, gluten-free, sugar-free, and non-GMO. Each variant is housed in a 3.0L box, equivalent to four standard wine bottles, retailing for $39.99 each. The lineup comprises:
* Zibibbo Macerato: A light, fruity white wine with hints of citrus and muscat.
* Young Grillo: A zesty, drier white wine boasting floral and citrus aromas.
* Syrah: A robust red wine showcasing cherry and red fruit notes with tannins.
* Rosato Bronzato: A rich rosé made from 100% Syrah grapes with cherry and red fruit undertones.
Headquartered in Boston, MA, the brand introduced its “alileo vino e snak bar” this summer, an ephemeral wine and snack immersion at 70 Pier 4 Blvd in Boston Seaport, “bringing Sicily to the Seaport.” Featuring Alileo wines, authentic Italian sandwiches, salads, snacks, and gelato from Nancy’s Fancy (an artisanal gelato and sorbetto brand crafted by two-time James Beard Award-winning chef Nancy Silverton), the experience transports guests to a square in Palermo. The venue is open seven days a week from 11 am to 7 pm until October 15, 2023.
