Occhipinti SP68 Rosso

Occhipinti SP68 Rosso is a striking Sicilian red from Arianna Occhipinti, blending Nero d’Avola and Frappato into a wine that is vibrant, characterful, and balanced.

In the glass, the wine shows a slightly hazy ruby-purple hue. Aromatically, it is vivid and layered. Wild cherry, plum, and mulberry form the core, complemented by bright notes of raspberry, violet, and a hint of mandarin peel. There is depth and complexity, with undertones of leather, dried herbs, forest floor, smoke, and a subtle touch of spice and liquorice.

On the palate, SP68 Rosso is lively and textured. A burst of wild cherry leads the way, with nuances of tobacco leaf, blackberry, and blood orange. Hints of floral violets flicker through, while savory elements like roasted meat and dried herbs add dimension. The tannins are fine and gravelly, providing structure without overpowering the fruit, and the finish is long, fresh, and satisfying. It drinks particularly well with a slight chill, which emphasises its brightness and aromatic lift.

Named after the SP68 road near Arianna’s hometown of Vittoria in southeastern Sicily, this wine reflects her deep connection to the region. The vineyards are farmed biodynamically, and the winemaking relies on native yeasts, with no fining or filtration and only minimal sulfur used at bottling.

SP68 Rosso brings together the dark, earthy character of Nero d’Avola with the lifted fragrance of Frappato, resulting in a wine that is approachable, distinctive, and expressive. It offers a clear, honest expression of both grape and place, the unique charm of one of Italy’s historic wine regions, shaped by Occhipinti’s thoughtful, low-intervention approach to winemaking.