Occhipinti Vino di Contrada Pettineo 2022

Occhipinti Vino di Contrada Pettineo is an organic single varietal Frappato made by Arianna Occhipinti in south eastern Sicily, Italy. Contrada is the local word for a small country district, here Pettineo, where the soils are made up of a deep layer of sea sand over a thin band of surface limestone. That sandy profile is key to the style, giving lighter, very perfumed wines with fine tannins and clear aromatics, while the limestone adds freshness. The grapes are picked by hand at optimum ripeness and ferment spontaneously with native yeasts, then age in seasoned wood that adds texture without marking the fruit with oak character. Frappato is naturally pale and aromatic, and this bottling plays to that. Expect a translucent ruby colour and a fragrant nose of red cherry, wild strawberry, rose petal and white flowers, with a savoury, stony undertone. The palate is light to medium bodied, with bright red fruit, gentle grippy tannins, lively acidity and an earthy, mineral finish. Serve lightly chilled at 14 to 15 degrees, which suits its freshness. Good with roast chicken, grilled pork and tomato based dishes.