Occhipinti

The SP68 cuvée of Frappato and Nero d'Avola is wonderfully fresh, dynamic, individual and modern. Generous flavours, solidly structured and equipped with mild tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Inspired by the Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG but switching the prominent variety from Nero d'Avola to Frappato – a variety which Arianna has arguably mastered – SP68 is a fragrant and juicy wine with intense red and black fruits and some spicy inflections." Decanter

Occhipintis Bianco has been one of the craziest and at the same time most independent white wines of Sicily for years. Made from equal parts of Moscato and Albanello, it exudes the scent of peaches and flowers, with a subtle smoky note on the nose. Delicately bitter on the palate, it is bone dry and has wonderful fruity hints of lychee, lime and apricot. With half an hour of aeration and at a moderate 12°C drinking temperature, you will be completely captivated by the refinement and drinkability of this exceptional drop! SUPERIORE.DE

Arianna Occhipinti's Il Frappato, which is rare every year, has a spicy and elegant aroma, rich in red berries, with a fresh flavour of spices and flowers. Lively on the palate, beautifully relaxed, vibrant tannins. A graceful and exceptional red. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sweet and leafy red fruit scents introduce an energetic palate; intense, airy and tangy. It's light and juicy but with clear verticality supported by chalky tannins." Decanter

"The 2021 Il Frappato shows a lot of varietal character, dusty red stones, wild berries and a hint of sweet apricot. The wine is firm and tense, but it also manages an absolutely weightless approach that makes it so easy and enjoyable to drink. It embodies a contemporary style that goes well with the healthy dishes we want to eat today, with lots of vegetables and white meat." Wine Advocate

"This wine tastes so good with its vibrant aromas and flavours of fresh strawberries, lemon peel and Sicilian oranges. The acidity takes this light to medium bodied wine to another level and finishes with crisp and bright fruit that is so refreshing to drink. So good I would drink it for breakfast! Enjoy it now." James Suckling

Muscular Nero d'Avola, deep dark red in colour, rich in extract and powerful with aromas of dried fruit, raspberries, beetroot and blackcurrants. A juicy Sicilian from natural cultivation that enchants us with its great personality and beguiling finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wild hedgerow berry scents lead into a softly textured, sapid palate which mirrors the nose, showing a good intensity of red and black berries. Honed and well balanced, it's an elegant take on Nero d'Avola." Decanter

"The organic Nero d'Avola Siccagno 2020 offers a lovely blend of cherry, dark fruit and a hint of clove. The wine shows notes of cola, black olives and baked plums in the background. There is plenty of fruit in this wine, leading to a bold, vibrant style. It is fluid in personality, but also lean in texture." Wine Advocate

"A very attractive Nero d'Avola with crushed black berries and bright citrus acidity with hints of fruit, black tea and dark mushrooms. Medium-bodied with fine tannins and tangy acidity on the finish. Drink or store." James Suckling

Arianna Occhipinti's new white wine is a 100% Grillo and comes from a vineyard located 490 metres above sea level and surrounded by pine forests, oaks and centuries-old olive trees. The soil of Contrada Santa Margherita consists of sandy calcareous marl of a whitish colour and yellowish-white calcarenite, all marine sediments dating back to the Pleistocene. These soils of the Monti Iblei at the foot of the small municipality of Chiaramonte Gulfi give the wine an impressive complexity and saltiness.

Pale yellow in the glass, intense bouquet of citrus notes, accompanied by spicy vegetal notes and white flowers. A fantastic balance of alcohol and acidity on the palate, impressive complexity that only reveals itself with time, with a beautiful length and a dry, mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This is a Grillo that's really vertical and focused, almost austere, with some savoury, juicy stone fruits lurking among straw, hay, floral and lanolin notes. A classy interpretation of this grape." Decanter

"The Grillo Contrada Bianco SM 2021 opens with a dark golden colour and macerated aromas of grape skins and honey. The wine has a very fragrant side, as you would expect from a young Grillo, with white rose, jasmine and peach blossom. The wine is very full-bodied, with plenty of freshness, crushed stone and a creamy texture. There is also a hint of dried apple skin." Wine Advocate

"Dark yellow, golden in colour with a green shimmer. Aromas of dried apples, apricots, rose soap and camomile. Full-bodied with a multi-layered texture of phenols and apple skin. Flavours of apple crumble and cream. Also some honey. It's definitely a skin contact wine, but not over the top. Drink it now." James Suckling

This Frappato comes from the single vineyard Bombolieri, which lies not far from the Serra San Bartolo. The topsoil is sandy and clayey and around 25 centimetres deep. After that, one finds bare limestone. The stone, like the surface, varies between a walnut brown and white. Around 2,600 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Transparent dark cherry red. Of the three Contradas, the BB is the most powerful in the fragrance. There is only a light, violet floral scent here, joined by a restrained yeasty note. The Frappato is reminiscent of sour cherries and cherry stones, autumn leaves and a little dark tobacco. The aroma already hints at taut tannins. At the same time, the Frappato remains fragrant and ethereal. On the palate, the BB shows a wonderful balance of lightness and punchy juiciness, power and a masculine tannin. The wine is clearly the tightest and darkest of the three single-vineyard Frappato. Yet, as is characteristic of the Arianna Occhipinti Frappato, it flows almost crystal clear across the palate. All that quiet power and earthy, dark aromatics form the backbone behind the cool, fresh, transparent and sour cherry style. The wine shines with dark beauty." Christoph Raffelt (originalverkorkt.de)

"Pouring from a bottle with a red wax capsule, the Arianna Occhipinti 2019 Frappato Vino di Contrada BB opens to a fun, especially punchy and bright bouquet with wild berry and blue flowers. From a site with sandy soils and white rocks, this wine is especially botanical in character with dried herbs and lavender common to the Mediterranean basin. Freshness is a protagonist, and the wine closes with dry but mild tannins. Only 2,200 bottles were made in 2019." Wine Advocate

This Frappato comes from the single vineyard Fossa di Lupo, from which the fruit of the Grotte Alte also comes. This is a historic single vineyard (contrada) that Arianna Occhipinti has been cultivating since 2004. The topsoil is sandy with mineral deposits that colour it partly red, partly brown. After 40 centimetres, one encounters pure limestone. The Frappato is grown there in Albarello - typical for Vittoria. The vineyard is located on the Monti Iblei, the Hyblaean Mountains in south-eastern Sicily. Around 2,600 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Transparent medium cherry red. What a wonderful, typical and yet unexpectedly intense Frappato start! The young wine seems slightly yeasty at the beginning. In addition, there are many violet flowers such as violets and iris, but also roses, which lie over the glass like a fine perfume. Finally, there are nutty notes and black cherries as well as wild berries and a little tobacco. All this is absolutely transparent and clear, fine and fresh, yet complex and powerful. On the second day, the FL retreats more, but the elegance and the underlying power can still be sensed. Red wines outside Burgundy are rarely this fine, this transparent. Balanced between slightly acidic red fruit and a fine spicy perfume on the one hand, and a dry but ripe, precise tannin and fresh, lively acidity on the other, the Frappato seems to float lightly, and yet it is connected to the earth and the chalky soil from which it comes. This lime provides vitality and a power that one only notices in the second moment. Then it becomes clear that the FL surprises with a wonderful depth and complexity that peeks out like a second face behind the juvenile light-hearted character and surely dares to go further in the future. This Sicilian belongs on the big stage." Christoph Raffelt (originalverkorkt.de)

"One of three single-vineyard wines from Arianna Occhipinti, the 2019 Frappato Vino di Contrada FL shows sweet cherry, grilled rosemary and lingering tones of iron ore or rusty nail. This vineyard has red and dark brown soils with lots of stones. Those ferrous notes come though, and the wine closes with a clean, lean-bodied texture. Production for this organic and biodynamic wine is 2,200 bottles." Wine Advocate

This Frappato comes from the historic single vineyard Pettineo, which lies beyond the Serra San Bartolo. The topsoil is sandy with a depth of 50 to 60 centimetres. After that, limestone is found. Originally, the Frappato, which is now about 60 years old, stood there in Albarello vines, then the previous owner raised them in wire frames, where they grew very tall. Around 2,600 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Transparent dark cherry red. In contrast to the other two Cotradas, the PT is currently the fruitiest. Sweet cherries, sour cherries and plums are accompanied by sweet yeast dough and light tobacco. Nevertheless, the wine is by no means cloying or overripe, but consistently fine and elegant. The etherealness, which can also be found in the other two Contradas, is also present here. The Vino di Contrada PT is highly present from the first moment. There is a lot of juiciness at play and also a pleasant pressure on the palate. Like the other two Frappatos, the PT is extremely elegant and transparent, almost cool and crystal clear like a white wine, but then again equipped with a silky and striking tannin. When people talk about almost Burgundian elegance in Sicilian wines, they are actually always talking about Nerello Mascalese from Etna. When you have this Frappato in your glass, Sicilian elegance can be redefined. Here it meets a sour cherry fruitiness and the already mentioned impressive clarity and precision." Christoph Raffelt (originalverkorkt.de)

"With fruit from 60-year-old vines, the Arianna Occhipinti 2019 Frappato Vino di Contrada PT (with 2,200 bottles made) reveals a bright and very lifted bouquet with dried cherry skin, wild rose, cast iron and grilled herb. The wine shows medium-weight texture and fine tannins that feel especially integrated in this wine from the Contrada Pettineo. This site has reddish sand soils with a layer of tuffaceous rock." Wine Advocate

Arianna Occhipinti: "The skins of the Frappato are thick and fragrant, which is why I thought of a grappa made from this grape. The rest is the careful work of Giovanni La Fauci, master distiller in Valdina, Messina."

The selected marc for this crystal clear grappa comes from Frappato di Vittoria grapes from the Contrada Fossa di Lupo. Precise on the nose with floral-spicy notes. Aristocratic on the palate with a full-bodied confirmation of the aromas. SUPERIORE.DE

The Frappato Vino di Contrada FL (from Contrada Fossa di Lupo) shows a slightly looser texture than the other two Contrada wines that have been part of Arianna Occhipinti's portfolio for 4 vintages. The Contrada Fossa di Lupo provides much of the fruit used for the entire Occhipinti line. It consists of sandy limestone with red and dark brown clay veins. The wine shows aromas of red fruits, including plums and blackberries. Slight hints of exotic spices only emerge after the Frappato has had time to really unpack in the glass. This wine is perhaps the most open of the three. Only 2,700 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"A dark, rich expression with earthy red and black cherry flavours and a bright, stony palate with intensely tart wild red fruits. It has a pronounced spiciness and sharpness that seems to come from the yeasts, leading to a dry finish with juicy cherry and strawberry notes." Decanter

"The Frappato Vino di Contrada FL 2020 has a more delicate style with aromas of wild roses and flowers rising delicately from the glass. Behind this are earthy tones, baked aubergine skin and slight hints of roasted fennel seeds. On the palate, the wine is tart and fresh, with equally macerated flavours. This wine is the somewhat wilder of the three Contrada wines in the series. The fruit comes from the Contrada Fossa di Lupo, with reddish and dark brown soils." Wine Advocate

The Frappato Vino di Contrada PT (with fruit from the Contrada Pettineo) is a shade lower in colour intensity than the BB. This wine is similar to the FL in terms of accessibility and the very silky and delicate nature of its fruit. Arianna Occhipinti has achieved something marvellous for our collective understanding of the Frappato grape with the fermentation of these contrasting wines. Pettineo has sandy soils, and the Alberello vines (later converted to trellises) are over 60 years old. It is definitely on the right track, as you get a better understanding of the range of the grape variety. This expression shows bright freshness, wild berries, wild roses and hints of sweet almonds. Around 2,700 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"It's the finest and most perfumed of the three contrada wines, offering hedgerow berries and lovely florality. Intense, vibrant red fruits and juicy acidity combine on the textured, airy, vertical palate, with some hints of dried cherry on the long, sapid finish. Delicious!" Decanter

"The Frappato Vino di Contrada PT 2020 (from old vines of Contrada Pettineo) has a unique bouquet that stands out from the other wines in this series, especially in this warm and sunny vintage. There is a hint of purple plum, but the aromas are mainly focused on red fruit flavours with cassis and fresh cherries. I love the lively, powerful approach of this vibrant wine. It feels very lively." Wine Advocate

The Frappato Vino di Contrada BB from the single vineyard Bombolieri is the darkest and most saturated of the three Frappato wines. This vineyard lies high on a promontory with white limestone soils. The expression is open and accessible like the other wines, but in this wine there is an added layer of earth or potting soil to the bright red and black fruits one perceives on the nose. This wine also seems to have extra layering and textural richness. All this fruit is topped with a fresh acidity that plays a big role and makes this wine a nice partner for creamy fettuccine. Only 2,400 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"It has some flinty reduction at this early phase in its life, hinting at milk chocolate, black cherry and earthy red fruit aromas. In the mouth it's grippy, broad and juicy, offering dark hedgerow berry flavours with a depth of warm soil, cardamom and peppery spice." Decanter

"The Frappato Vino di Contrada BB 2020 has a slightly richer colour with aromas of dark fruits such as black cherry and fresh plums. I like the impeccable balance of the BB (from Contrada Bombolieri with sandy soils and stones)." Wine Advocate

Some say this wine is the most typical example of Arianna Occhipinti's pure yet impressive style. Its intensity and purity are also unmistakable in this current release. Grotte Alte is bursting with fresh cherry, raspberry, wild rose, balsam herb and a hint of iron ore or rusty nails. The fruit blend is equal parts Nero d'Avola and Frappato and the result shows impeccable balance and graceful composure. On the palate, the wine is pleasantly lean, yet there is enough texture and richness to allow for a long, silky finish. SUPERIORE.DE

The Frappato Vino di Contrada FL (from Contrada Fossa di Lupo) shows a slightly looser texture than the other two Contrada wines that have been part of Arianna Occhipinti's portfolio for 4 vintages. The Contrada Fossa di Lupo provides much of the fruit used for the entire Occhipinti line. It consists of sandy limestone with red and dark brown clay veins. The wine shows aromas of red fruits, including plums and blackberries. Slight hints of exotic spices only emerge after the Frappato has had time to really unpack in the glass. This wine is perhaps the most open of the three. Only 2,700 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"A dark, rich expression with earthy red and black cherry flavours and a bright, stony palate with intensely tart wild red fruits. It has a pronounced spiciness and sharpness that seems to come from the yeasts, leading to a dry finish with juicy cherry and strawberry notes." Decanter

"The Frappato Vino di Contrada FL 2020 has a more delicate style with aromas of wild roses and flowers that rise delicately from the glass. Behind this are earthy tones, baked aubergine skin and slight hints of roasted fennel seeds. On the palate, the wine is tart and fresh, with equally macerated flavours. This wine is the somewhat wilder of the three Contrada wines in the series. The fruit comes from the Contrada Fossa di Lupo, with reddish and dark brown soils." Wine Advocate

The Frappato Vino di Contrada BB from the single vineyard Bombolieri is the darkest and most saturated of the three Frappato wines. This vineyard lies high on a promontory with white limestone soils. The expression is open and accessible like the other wines, but in this wine there is an added layer of earth or potting soil to the bright red and black fruits one perceives on the nose. This wine also seems to have extra layering and textural richness. All this fruit is topped with a fresh acidity that plays a big role and makes this wine a nice partner for creamy fettuccine. Only 2,400 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"It has some flinty reduction at this early phase in its life, hinting at milk chocolate, black cherry and earthy red fruit aromas. In the mouth it's grippy, broad and juicy, offering dark hedgerow berry flavours with a depth of warm soil, cardamom and peppery spice." Decanter

"The Frappato Vino di Contrada BB 2020 has a slightly richer colour with aromas of dark fruits such as black cherry and fresh plums. I like the impeccable balance of the BB (from Contrada Bombolieri with sandy soils and stones)." Wine Advocate

The Frappato Vino di Contrada PT (with fruit from the Contrada Pettineo) is a shade lower in colour intensity than the BB. This wine is similar to the FL in terms of accessibility and the very silky and delicate nature of its fruit. Arianna Occhipinti has achieved something marvellous for our collective understanding of the Frappato grape with the fermentation of these contrasting wines. Pettineo has sandy soils, and the Alberello vines (later converted to trellises) are over 60 years old. It is definitely on the right track, as you get a better understanding of the range of the grape variety. This expression shows bright freshness, wild berries, wild roses and hints of sweet almonds. Around 2,700 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"It's the finest and most perfumed of the three contrada wines, offering hedgerow berries and lovely florality. Intense, vibrant red fruits and juicy acidity combine on the textured, airy, vertical palate, with some hints of dried cherry on the long, sapid finish. Delicious!" Decanter

"The Frappato Vino di Contrada PT 2020 (from old vines of Contrada Pettineo) has a unique bouquet that stands out from the other wines in this series, especially in this warm and sunny vintage. There is a hint of purple plum, but the aromas are mainly focused on red fruit flavours with cassis and fresh cherries. I love the lively, powerful approach of this vibrant wine. It feels very lively." Wine Advocate

Some say this wine is the most typical example of Arianna Occhipinti's pure yet impressive style. Its intensity and purity are also unmistakable in this current release. Grotte Alte is bursting with fresh cherry, raspberry, wild rose, balsam herb and a hint of iron ore or rusty nails. The fruit blend is equal parts Nero d'Avola and Frappato and the result shows impeccable balance and graceful composure. On the palate, the wine is pleasantly lean, yet there is enough texture and richness to allow for a long, silky finish. SUPERIORE.DE