Arianna Occhipinti's farm now covers around 22 hectares in the districts of Bombolieri, Pettineo and Bastonaca. The range of grape varieties includes Frappato, Nero d'Avola as well as the white Zibbibo and Albanello. The "Fossa di Lupo" winery is located directly on one of the oldest wine roads on the island, the Strada Provinciale 68. Their SP68 wines, which now enjoy international cult status, are named after this federal road. The SP68 Bianco is a cuvée of 60% Muscat d'Alexandria and 40% Albanello. Classified as Terre Siciliane IGT, the grapes grow 280m above sea level on medium-dense soils of red sand, chalk and sub-Apennine limestone. The vines are on average 15 years old and the management is organic with no systemic intervention in the vineyard. The grapes are harvested by hand, fermented spontaneously and macerated on the skins for a good two weeks for optimal aromatic yield. After fermentation, the wine matures in concrete for six months before being bottled unfiltered. With a volume of only 11%, the SP68 has a remarkable lightness as one of the southernmost white wines in Italy.
Color
Dark straw yellow with old gold reflections and silky matt shimmer.
Nose
The 2022 SP68 from Arianna Occhipinti is remarkably complex and multi-layered on the nose. Controlled by the slightly wild fermentation aromas, it initially recalls yeast plait and wild maquis, followed by fresh straw, summer meadow, dried flowers and some fruit on the finish. The notes of yellow pome fruit are joined by the typical nutmeg note with its floral top note, sometimes reminiscent of jasmine and mace, as the wine aerates.
Mouth
The palate keeps what the nose promises. Aromatically complex with a creamy, viscous texture on the nose, the Zibbibo has a show-stopping performance on the palate until it is restrained by the fine phenolic and aromatic complexity of this wine. The acidity in 2022 is somewhat milder than usual, but the fine tannin more than makes up for this in terms of drinkability. Quite unrepentant, too, thanks to the low revs.
Food recommendations from Sebastian Bordthäuser
- Caponata Siciliana
- Swordfish involtini on braised yellow peppers with sage
- Slice of porchetta in a roll
| Allergens | Contains sulfur |
|---|---|
| Winemaker | Occhipinti |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Sicily |
| Type | |
| Vintage | |
| Variety | |
| Content | |
| Alcohol content | |
| Residual sweetness | ■□□□□ |
| Drinking temperature | 11° |
| Manufacturer | Azienda Agricola Arianna Occhipinti, Via dei Mille 55, 97019 Vittoria / Italy, organic certificate: IT BIO 014 |
