2022 Occhipinti 'BB' Frappato

In Sicily, a contrada is a historically named rural district rather than a formal quality classification. It may contain several vineyards, but it possesses a recognisable identity shaped by its soils, exposure and position within the landscape. Arianna Occhipinti’s Vini di Contrada explore these differences through individual sites, using Frappato not as the final subject of the wine, but as the means through which each place can speak.

'BB' Bombolieri lies at 212 metres above sea level, where an exceptionally thin layer of pale sand and limestone rests directly over solid rock. Within the contrada, the wine comes from Vigna Strada, a section with a greater proportion of white clay and limestone. This lean, highly calcareous environment gives BB its floral character, directness and pronounced acidity.

Made entirely from Frappato, the wine ferments in concrete with indigenous yeasts and remains on the skins for 20 days. It then matures for 20 months in 20-hectolitre oval concrete tanks, followed by 4 months in bottle. The absence of wood keeps the expression transparent, allowing the tension and luminosity of the site to remain at the centre.

In the glass, Bombolieri shows a bright, translucent ruby colour. The nose is lifted and delicate, with wild strawberry, sour cherry, rose, blood orange, white pepper and crushed limestone. The palate is medium bodied, with ripe and roundly textured, driven by vivid acidity, finely etched tannins and a long, chalky finish.

Bombolieri is the most floral and immediate of Occhipinti’s three Frappato contrade, but its openness should not be mistaken for simplicity. Beneath the perfume lies a firm mineral line and the energy to evolve gracefully in bottle.

100% Organic & Biodynamic.

Perfect with smoked duck breast, grilled game meats, roast pork loin, beetroot with goat’s curd and mushrooms.

Serve: 14–16 °C
Drink: 2025–2034