“FL” Fossa di Lupo Vino di Contrada IGT Sicilia 2021

This single-varietal Frappato comes from the Fossa di Lupo vineyard and has been the backbone of the estate since 2004. The lean, sandy soils of the Contrada have shades of red to chestnut brown and only a small humus layer. After only 40 cm of mostly sandy layer lies the base of firm, hard limestone, which in part protrudes bare to the surface of the site. The vines are planted in the typical Albarello system of cultivation and face north-east towards the Hyblaean mountains. The wines of Contrada Fossa di Lupo are usually somewhat darker and always have a distinctive acid structure. To best express the freshness of the microclimate, the minerality of the calcareous soils and the typicity of the frappato, biodynamic viticulture is Occhipinti's way to balance. In the hot and windy climate of southern Sicily, Arianna Occhipinti works without irrigation, but with seeds such as fava beans and other useful plants. They protect the soil and the vines, which have been propagated from old genetics with the Massale selection. They work exclusively with gravity and there is no new wood, only used containers. Occhipinti abandons the DOC classification in favour of a fresher varietal expression and markets their site wines as IGT Terre Siciliane. The average production of Fossa di Lupo is only 2700 bottles.

Dark ruby red with an almost black centre.

The 2021 Vino di Contrada Fossa di Lupo from Arianna Occhipinti has the darkest fruit of all three Contrade wines: black cherries, plums and raspberries are balanced by redcurrants, chokeberries and floral accents of mallow and hibiscus. There are also delicate citrus notes of orange zest, bergamot and olive leaves as well as Mediterranean scrub. Light cedar notes, vetiver and white pepper calibrate the fruit with fine spice and shimmering overtones.

Fleshy and firm on the palate, the tannins have a cooling character and resolve the apparent contradiction that the coolest red wines on the island come from the hot south. The acidity is energetic and ripe, fuelled by the profound minerality and gives the wine its almost unrestrained drinkability. Polished and compact with transparent depth and a clean contour, it refreshes even in the heat of summer and reaches its full potential at the table.