2011 Il Frappato di Vittoria

Arianna’s 2011 Il Frappato represents a bold departure from what is one of the most ethereal and feminine red grapes in Sicily. Il Frappato exhibits a dark, more extracted personality with evident pulses of dried cherry, blackberry and cassis. It sees one year in oak. The mouthfeel is compelling, lengthy and ultimately starts to build momentum after a few minutes of vigorous swirling of the glass. There is a sudden rush of sour cherry that comes as an unexpected surprise. Drink 2014-2021. Arianna Occhipinti is a breath of fresh air on an island that shows enormous sensitivity to the winds that have caressed its rocky landmass for centuries. If the Eskimos have 50 words for “snow,” I wouldn’t be surprised if Sicilians had just as many for “wind.” Like the winds that have changed the destiny of this centrally positioned Mediterranean island, Arianna Occhipinti is a figure of similar symbolic significance. She has emerged as “the face” of Sicilian “natural” wines. Importer: Louis Dressner Selection, www.louisdressner.com