Occhipinti Grotte Alte 2020

Arianna Occhipinti works in the Vittoria area of south-east Sicily, farming organically and without chemical treatments in vineyard or cellar. Grotte Alte is her flagship wine from the DOCG Cerasuolo di Vittoria, a blend of Nero d'Avola for structure and Frappato for perfume. The vines grow on red sand over limestone, free-draining soils that, with the maritime warmth of the region tempered by sea breezes, ripen the fruit while keeping the aromatics fine and the acidity fresh. The wine is fermented with native yeasts and aged for around 48 months in large old foudres, a long, slow maturation that integrates the tannin and builds savoury, tertiary complexity through gentle oxygen exchange, while the old wood adds no oak flavour of its own. The colour is bright translucent ruby. The nose is fragrant, with red cherry, redcurrant, dried rose and white pepper over an earthy, herbal base, and the palate is medium bodied, with fine tannin, bright acidity and a long savoury finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees, slightly cool. It suits roast pork, duck, mushroom dishes and tomato-rich Sicilian cooking.