Arianna Occhipinti: Limited Mixed Case
Varietal: frappato
Region: sicily
Arianna Occhipinti makes wines of place; her Vino di Contrada Frappatos purely and honestly express the different terroirs of her home, Vittoria. This 4pk explores the grape through four different vineyards with three different soil make-ups and aspects. Drink now through 2030+.
2023 SM: SM is Occhipinti’s entry into white Vini di Contrada, highlighting Grillo grown on high‑altitude, marine sandy‑marl soils rarely used for serious whites. From a high-altitude site near Chiaramonte Gulfi, planted on sandy calcareous marl over marine limestone at 500 m. Grillo vines face cool winds from the Iblei mountains. Fermented in concrete and aged in old Slavonian oak with minimal sulphur. A textured white with citrus oil, white flowers, ginger, and a taut, saline finish.
2022 PT: This historic contrada, a term used to refer a small district of the countryside, is located beyond Serra San Bartolo ridge; historically it has always produced very elegant wines thanks to a deep layer of marine sand (50-60 cm), with little presence of limestone rocks on the surface. Our Chiusa di Pettineo vines are nearly 60 years old. The wines of the Pettineo are usually fruit-driven with a more silky tannin yet possessing quite lively acidity.
2022 BB: From a single parcel known as Bombolieri, facing the Serra San Bartolo in the southeast of the island, on 25 cm of light colored sand over a solid layer of limestone. Maturation in Slovenian barrels that have seen several vintages, and just a hint of sulphur at bottling. A floral nose with blood orange, cranberry, and thyme, and a spicy, palate with delicate fruit and a mineral, salty finish.
2022 FL: Fossa di Lupo: a historic region facing the Iblei Mountains, with sandy soils and a substantial presence of limestone on the surface. After the first 40 cm of sand there is a rather hard layer of rocky limestone. A graceful nose of red fruit, Mediterranean spices, roses and sea. A little more open than the Pettineo or the Bombelieri, the palate has a touch of savouriness and bright acidity, with a long finish.
