ARIANNA OCCHIPINTI
Sicily, Italy
11 ha

Arianna Occhipinti is a young winemaker who released her first vintage in 2004 at the age of 21 and has farmed all of her land biodynamically since 2009. She became  in a few years a  cult figure in the biodynamic movement. Growing a few white varietals as well as Nero d’Avola, Occhipinti has built a reputation on Frappato, a secondary grape used in Sicily to brighten heavier Nero D’Avola. Highlighting its intense perfume and zingy berry character, Arianna has proven that Frappato can also stand alone. The essential work  in Sicily is to understand this particular climate,hot sunshine during the day and coolness at night. Occhipinti’s wines are all about freshness, the SP68 Rosso is a blend of two varieties native to this part of Sicily: Frappato and Nero d’Avola. Nero d’Avola provides meaty black fruits and wild herbs  while Frappato gives florals notes. The name “SP68” refers to the Strada Provinciale 68, a route that passes by her small property. She uses no filtration, and follows an extremely simple vinification process: fermentations from native yeasts, 30 days maceration on skins, 6 months of aging in stainless steel tanks, and a   rest in bottle before release. Her work creates a wine that is both complex in his expression and just a simple pleasure to drink.