Arianna Occhipinti 'Il Frappato' Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily, Italy

A vibrant expression of its seaside Sicilian terroir, the 2023 Il Frappato from Arianna Occhipinti unfolds with ethereal red fruit and floral grace, all underpinned by crystalline mineral character and a whisper of spice. It’s a wine that strikes a rare balance — intellectually compelling yet supremely drinkable — making each bottle a special treasure, particularly as only a few reach our allocation each year.

Product Details

• Vintage & Region: 2023, Terre Siciliane IGT, Vittoria zone, Sicily, Italy
• Grape Variety: 100% Frappato from estate vineyards averaging ~40 years old, with parcels rooted in sandy calcareous soils and limestone-rich terrain
• Farming & Vinification: Certified organic and biodynamically farmed; hand-harvested grapes; native yeast fermentation with ~30-day skin maceration in concrete; aged ~8 months in Slavonian oak botti followed by ~8 months in concrete; bottled unfiltered
• Alcohol: 12.5% ABV
• Production Volume: Extremely limited — only a few bottles secured annually for this collection

Sensory Description
Bright and animated, the 2023 vintage reveals vivid aromas of blackberry, wild red cherry, rose water, and anise, lifted by notes of white pepper, sage, and thyme. On the palate, its silky texture and vibrant acidity intertwine with seamless tannins, delivering layers of fruit and mineral depth with a subtle smoky salinity. The finish is both refined and savory, leaving an impression of elegance and intrigue that calls for contemplation as much as enjoyment.

Winemaker’s Background
Arianna Occhipinti established her estate in Vittoria in 2004 and quickly became a leading voice in the natural wine movement of Sicily. Inspired by her uncle Giusto Occhipinti of COS, she farms her 25 hectares organically and biodynamically, championing indigenous varietals like Frappato and Nero d’Avola. Her philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention — indigenous yeasts, long macerations, large neutral oak, and minimal sulfur — to craft wines that are transparent reflections of their place. With the 2023 vintage, Occhipinti marks her twentieth harvest, further solidifying her reputation for producing wines that are as soulful as they are distinctive.

Serving Suggestions
Serve slightly cool at 55–60 °F to accentuate its freshness and aromatic lift. A natural partner to Sicilian-inspired fare such as tomato-and-anchovy pasta, grilled eggplant with herbs, or rustic salumi, it also shines with simple roasted poultry. With its rarity and finesse, Il Frappato is best enjoyed in intimate settings or reserved for collectors seeking one of Sicily’s most profound natural wine expressions.