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Wine lovers, we have just secured a precious few cases of a stunning red wine from the legendary Arianna Occhipinti. This trailblazing winemaker has taken terroir-centered craftsmanship to another level, making wines with a sense of place like no others in Sicily. If you haven't tried her wines yet, now is your chance - and save 40%!
Founded in 2004 Occhipinti is located in Vittoria, in southeastern Sicily. Having started with just one hectare, the property now spans forty hectares. Arianna quickly became an iconic figure in the winemaking world, thanks to her immense respect for terroir, her farming philosophy centered on biodiversity, and her non-interventionist approach to her craft. The estate stands out for its holistic approach, integrating vine cultivation alongside olive trees and ancient grains, to produce wines that faithfully reflect their origins.*
Located in the province of Ragusa in Sicilia, at the foot of the Iblei mountains, the vineyards benefit from a Mediterranean climate tempered by mountain winds. The soils consist of reddish sands and limestone rock.*
The 2024 Occhipinti SP68 Rosso Terre Siciliane IGT is a blend of 70% Frappato di Vittoria and 30% Nero d'Avola sourced from vines with an average age of 15 years. Unfiltered and aged for 6 months in concrete tanks, it has aromas of wild strawberries and black cherries entwined with Mediterranean herbs and rose petals. The fruit characters follow on the medium-boded palate. Subtle notes of black licorice and rhubarb add depth and complexity. Red fruits and a whiff of black pepper complete the finish.
Check out the press!
94 points, Wine Enthusiast:
"The savory, sanguine, even smoky nose unveils dirt, leaves, cumin and pepper, then the tanginess of blackberries and bergamot. Sweet, ripe blackberries and raspberries star on the palate, above a foundation of more warm citrus, earth and spices. Acid soars past tannins which are like taut silk, creating an almost unnerving depth. Arianna makes a lot of great wine, but the SP 68 consistently drops my jaw for its sheer ground-covering ability. A wine that remains important not because it outperforms expectations, but because it set a new bar long ago and yet has never stopped pushing even higher.”
94 points, James Suckling:
“A restrained wine with bright and precise aromas of dark fruit, wild strawberries, peonies and leather. The palate is fresh, with austere tannins, a medium body and a crunchy structure. It’s fresh and astringent, finding balance at the end.”
92 points, Decanter:
“Named after the road that runs past the estate, this turns the Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG recipe on its head with 70% Frappato and 30% Nero d'Avola vinified in concrete tanks. Vibrant dark cherry and blackberry aromas dance with light herbal touches, while the super-succulent palate is deep, sapid and fruity, with a lick of salinity and a long finish that hints at juicy blood orange.”
Order the 2024 Occhipinti SP68 Rosso-Terre Siciliane IGT between now and Monday, September 21st, at 4 PM - or when it sells out! Orders will be ready for pickup on Wednesday, September 23rd, after 4 PM.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 12.5%
Producer Name: Arianna Occhipinti
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: Italy
Region: Sicily
Vintage: 2024
Grape Varietals: 70% Frapatto, 30% Nero d'Avola
Wine Style: Dry, medium-bodied red
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass Burgundy bottle
Closure Style: Cork
*adapted from importer notes