Arianna Occhipinti Il Frappato Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily, Italy 2024

Arianna Occhipinti has become one of Sicily's most influential winemakers, celebrated for her expressive, low-intervention wines that capture the character of the island's native grapes. Il Frappato is her signature bottling and a beautiful expression of this often-overlooked Sicilian variety. Sourced from organically and biodynamically farmed vineyards in Vittoria, the wine is wonderfully aromatic and elegant, offering fresh wild strawberry, raspberry, sour cherry and pomegranate, with delicate floral notes, dried herbs and a touch of spice. The palate is light on its feet yet full of character, with silky tannins, lively acidity and a refreshing mineral finish. Fermented with indigenous yeasts in concrete and aged in large Austrian oak casks, it retains remarkable purity and freshness. Think of it as Sicily's answer to fine Cru Beaujolais or elegant Pinot Noir: vibrant, savory and incredibly versatile at the table.