"FL" Fossa di Lupo Vino di Contrada IGT Sicilia 2022

The "FL" Fossa di Lupo is a single-variety Frappato from a single contrada near Vittoria, pale ruby red and slightly hazy in the glass. The nose is wild, spicy and reductive: forest floor, undergrowth and moss, joined by pine cone, damp earth and rosemary. Allspice, juniper and black pepper carry the spice further, dried Mediterranean herbs and a hint of sourdough crust add depth. The fruit stays quiet behind it: sour cherry, wild raspberry and rosehip, with redcurrant and plum trailing a little further back.

The Contrada Fossa di Lupo sits 200 metres above sea level, with the vines facing northeast toward the Iblei hills. The soil is brown, clay-rich limestone over bare rock. The higher limestone content of this contrada brings marked structure and pronounced acidity. Arianna Occhipinti has farmed it since 2004, as part of 42 hectares across nine contrade around Vittoria, without a single drop of irrigation.

Frappato, an indigenous variety documented in Vittoria since 1812, from vines around 20 years old. Picking took place in the first ten days of October 2022. Fermentation runs on native yeasts in concrete tank, with the skins left in contact with the must for 20 days, including during fermentation. The wine then ages for 20 months in oval concrete tanks holding 20 hectolitres. The estate has farmed biodynamically since 2009.

Juicy, lean and racy, lined with fine tannin. The acidity works actively without pushing to the fore, minerality and grip carry the mid-palate. Spicy, ethereal and balsamic notes return, the fruit staying finely etched and present throughout. Walnut settles in on the finish. Dry, 12.0 % vol.

Fossa di Lupo has formed a substantial foundation in Arianna Occhipinti's wines since 2004, part of the work that has carried Frappato to new heights. This single-contrada bottling reveals the geology of one vineyard: limestone, rock, acidity.