Frappato DOC Vittoria

Frappato is one of the most idiosyncratic grape varieties in Sicily — light in the glass, fragrant on the nose, and yet with real character. This 100% Frappato from the Vittoria DOC in the southeast of the island shows why the variety is unjustly in the shadow of Nero d'Avola.

The winery Akrille Cutrera Bastianich works with a grape variety that has been cultivated in its home region of Ragusa for centuries. Vittoria lies on a plateau between the Mediterranean coast and the Iblean Mountains — a terroir with hot days, cool nights, and sandy soils that gives the Frappato its typical lightness and aromatics.

In the glass, the wine glows in light cherry red. The nose opens with wild strawberry and blackberry, plus summer flowers and a delicate spice. On the palate, it shows itself to be juicy and lively, with fine, barely noticeable tannin and a fresh acidity structure that never lets the wine become heavy despite its fruit richness.

Served slightly chilled at 14 °C, it accompanies an antipasti platter with olives, caponata, and Pecorino just as well as a Sicilian pizza or grilled vegetables. It also makes a good impression with light pasta dishes with tomato sauce.