The colour is pale ruby. On the nose at first a little bit of vinaigrette, typical of natural wines. With some air, this disturbing element disappears and way more pleasant aromas of sour and red cherries appear. In the mouth light, but well balanced. The aftertaste is discretely fruity and last for some time.
Arianna Occhipinti, who makes this wine, was born in a family of winemakers and was brought into the family business early on by her uncle, who owns COS (www.thelovedwine.com/frappato-cos-2015). She studied viticulture and oenology. In 2004 she started with one hectare of land, and from there she grew… a lot. Nowadays she is a well regarded producer of natural wines. Almost a rock star of the movement. Judging from this bottle of Frappato, she does indeed a good job.
According to my experience, most of the so called natural wines (what it means is not clearly defined) are un-drinkable. I suspect that some winemakers, who are unable to make good wines, revert to the noble cause of natural wines to sell their bad wine.
A few days before leaving for this year’s eastern holidays with my son in Sicily, I organised a wine tasting of natural wines with some friends. By far the least enjoyable wine-tasting I ever did (due to the wines not the friends).
Unfortunately, Frappato is not my kind of grape, which is the reason my rating for this wine isn’t higher. Moreover, at 28 EUR I find this bottle overpriced. I bought this bottle at a Gelateria-Enoteca on Piazza Duomo in Ragusa. Surprisingly cheaper than any alternative I found on the Internet. At Gelati Di Vini I also tasted the “SP68” red, a blend of Frappato with Nero d’Avola. A bottle that sells for 18 EUR, but delivers an even lower pleasure/price ratio.
Country: Italy
Region: Sicily
Grapes: Frappato
Type: Red
Vintage: 2019
Producer: Arianna Occhipinti
Price range: Premium (30-50 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5