“BB” Bombolieri Vino di Contrada IGT Sicilia 2021

This single-varietal Frappato comes from the Contrada Bombolieri and overlooks the Serra San Bartolo. Situated on the Strada Provinciale 68, the Contrada has a relatively thin topsoil of only 25cm with a sandy-clayey layer. Underneath lies the bare limestone, which alternates between walnut-brown and white and turns red in the evening sun. Biodynamic viticulture is Occhipinti's way of achieving a balance between the freshness of the microclimate, the minerality of the calcareous soils and the typicality of the Frappato. In the hot and windy climate of southern Sicily, Arianna Occhipinti works without irrigation, instead sowing fava beans and other useful plants. They protect the soil and the vines, which were propagated by old genetics with the Massale selection. They work exclusively with gravity and there is no new wood, only used containers. Occhipinti dispenses with the DOC classification in favour of a fresher grape variety expression and sells its single-vineyard wines as IGT Terre Siciliane. The average production is only 2700 bottles.

Strong ruby red with a dark core.

The nose of the 2021 Vino di Contrada Bombolieri from Arianna Occhipinti still oscillates between the delicate notes of ageing, some reduction and a juvenile, bright red and unspoilt fruit. Almost painfully pure and puristic, this shows the strength of Frappato, which reached unimagined heights with Occhipinit's Contrade wines and has perhaps never been better than in the 21st vintage. Raspberries, black cherries, blackberry leaves and redcurrants outline the unbridled fruit, with warm, dark flavours reminiscent of black tea floating underneath. A little orange zest and wet blackboard chalk turn the wheel into a circle.

The joyful fruit on the nose finds its counterpart on the palate With super-fine, high-resolution and tightly meshed tannins, it is super-taut and grippy on the palate. The tannin quality is unique, has a cooling, mouth-watering and salivating effect, is firm to the bite with a delicate melt and is always underpinned by the cheeky Frappato fruit, which always sparkles in the background. This scenario is fuelled by the vibrant acidity and saline minerality. The shimmering red fruit lingers on the finish, flickering on the palate like the tarmac on the Sicilian horizon. An elegant 12.5% leaves you wanting to pour more, if not both hands.