Santa Tresa Rina Russa Frappato 2023

Santa Tresa is an organic estate in south eastern Sicily, run by Stefano and Marina Girelli, and this Rina Russa is made from Frappato, the lighter of the island's two famous red grapes. Frappato gives pale, aromatic wines that are closer in weight to a rosé than a heavy red, with bright red fruit and floral lift. The vineyards sit on sandy, calcareous soils near Vittoria, which suit the grape and keep the wine fresh and perfumed. Fermentation and a short six months in stainless steel, with no oak, keep the focus on the fruit and aroma rather than barrel character, and lock in the wine's freshness. The colour is a light ruby. The nose shows bitter cherry, red currant and wild strawberry, with peach skin and a hint of red flowers. The palate is light bodied and juicy, with crisp acidity, very fine tannin and a clean, slightly savoury finish. At 13% it is easy and refreshing, and can take a light chill. Serve at 14 to 15C. It works as a versatile food red and suits lighter dishes well.