The Tamesis
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Drive 30 minutes south to reach the heart of Frappato, home to Sicily’s only DOCG Cerasuolo di Vittoria, named for its cherry red color (“cherry” Sicilian), born from the union of the elegance of Frappato and the structure of Nero d’Avola. “For me, Frappato is more than just a grape variety; it’s a travel companion,” says Arianna. “I need its elegance, its story, its layered beauty, its brewing potential: Frappuccino to hold my hand and accompany me on this journey. At the same time, I believe it needs someone to harvest it with love and pride.”
It all started 18 years ago in Fossa di Lupo, where the earth turns red at night and the wind from Iblei blows through the vines. The first hectare is located along the SP68, the oldest wine route on record, which connected Gela to Camarina three thousand years ago. For generations, farmers have brought wine to the coast on foot. Her SP68 wine is named after this ancient road. The estate has grown from an initial one hectare to 30 hectares, spanning 10 plots, including Bombolieri, with vines more than twenty years old and straddling a limestone ridge (which is why Il Frappato BB is so delicious), as well as several hectares of ancient olive groves, Tumminia wheat, pear orchards, citrus groves and vegetable gardens. It’s more than just a brewery.
Embodying the pioneering spirit of the region, Azienda Agricola COS was founded in 1980 by Giambattista Cilia, Cirino Strano and Arianna’s uncle Giusto Occhipinti, where the wines are matured in clay tanks rather than oak barrels. After tasting at COS, I checked into Baglio Occhipinti, an eco-luxury resort run by Arianna’s sister Fausta. When I checked in, I was handed freshly made almond milk instead of wine, which was disappointing, but one sip said it all – still the best almond milk I’ve ever tasted. It is a gesture that defines the place, serving the production of the land rather than expectations. Book two nights to experience Sicilian tiles, a pool shaded by fruit trees and a restaurant that attracts people from all over Sicily. Breakfast is a luxurious affair: freshly baked goods, local meats and cheeses, the most beautiful produce you’ve ever seen, and yes, a glass jar filled with delicious almond milk.
