# Arianna Occhipinti "Il Frappato" Rosso Terre Siciliane IGT (2024)

- **Producer:** Azienda Agricola Arianna Occhipinti
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Frappato
- **Region:** Sicilia, Italy
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €32
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** strawberry, cherry, raspberry, orange, black pepper, smoke, dried cranberry

## About this wine

Arianna Occhipinti founded her estate in Vittoria, southeastern Sicily, along the ancient SP68 route in the Iblei Mountains sub-region. Widely considered a pioneer of the modern natural wine movement in Sicily, Occhipinti focuses on native Sicilian grapes grown organically and biodynamically. Her Il Frappato reflects the unique terroir of Sub-Apennine limestone sands and red clay, yielding a wine defined by freshness, elegance, and distinct character.

## Interesting facts

- Arianna Occhipinti started her winery at age 21, becoming an iconic figure in natural winemaking.
- The vineyards sit along the ancient SP68, a 3,000-year-old stone trade route connecting Gela and Kamarina.
- Vines are nourished using green manure cover crops like fava beans and native grasses instead of chemical fertilizers.

## Food pairing

Frappato's bright acidity and light-to-medium body make it exceptionally versatile. High natural acidity cuts through rich meats like duck or tuna, while delicate tannins won't overpower subtle dishes like mushroom risotto or charcuterie.

## Wine making process

Grapes are hand-harvested from 35- to 40-year-old bush and Guyot vines at 280 meters elevation. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks without temperature control, accompanied by 25 to 30 days of skin maceration. The wine ages for 14 months in 25-30 hL Slavonian oak barrels (botti grandi), followed by concrete aging and bottle rest. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal added sulfur.