2022 Occhipinti 'FL' Frappato

In the Sicilian countryside, a contrada is a historically recognized district defined by place rather than by a legal hierarchy. Each one may contain its own pattern of vineyards, exposures and soils. Occhipinti’s Contrada wines isolate these identities, revealing how Frappato can move from silkiness and perfume to tension, austerity and mineral structure within a relatively small area.

Fossa di Lupo is a historic district and has been central to Arianna Occhipinti’s work since 2004. The bush-trained vineyard faces north-east towards the Hyblaean Mountains, with only 25 centimetres of dark topsoil mixed with limestone above solid rock. The shallow soils and cooler exposure produce Frappato with fruit, but also a distinctly austere line, firm acidity and vertical structure.

The wine ferments in concrete tanks 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 long concrete élevage develops texture and composure without softening the site’s natural tension.

In the glass, it shows a luminous ruby colour. The nose is vivid and expressive, with wild strawberry, red cherry, blood orange, mint, white smoke, dried flowers and a subtle earthy note. On the palate, it is graceful and precise, with silky texture, vibrant red and blue fruit, fine tannins and a lifted, floral finish.

Fossa di Lupo is the most vertical and restrained of Occhipinti’s Frappato contrade. More concerned with tension than generosity, it speaks through aromatic detail, firm acidity and quiet persistence.

100% Organic & Biodynamic.

Duck breast, grilled lamb loin, roast pork with sour cherry, wild-mushroom pappardelle, or aged cheddar.

Serve: 14–16 °C
Drink: 2025–2035