Frappato

The Frappato grape is believed to be a child from Sangiovese and another, still unknown, Italian grape variety. Although some believe the grape has an Iberian origin, so maybe the other half of the crossing can be found in that direction. Either way, the grape is considered to be an old native to the island of Sicily and one of the varieties in the blend for the only DOCG of Sicily, named Cerasuolo di Vittoria. Records of the grape go as far back as the late 18^th century, around 1760, where it was recorded around Ragusa and Siracusa. The grape variety remains at its best coming from plantings here in the southeast of the island. More generic quality can be found throughout the entire island.

By itself the Frappato is very fruit driven, which refers to a word in the Sicilian dialect of frappatu, meaning ‘fruity’. It works well with the more full-bodied and tannic variety of Nero d’Avola, which blends to the only DOCG of the Island. Other names for the variety are Nerello di Catania and Frappatu di Vittoria.

Aromas
Even though the grape will display some herbaceous and spicy aromas in its wines, such as cloves and white pepper, this will not be the trademark. Frappato single variety has pronounced red fruit characters, such cherries, redcurrant, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, pomegranate and so on. They do display beautiful floral aromas such as hibiscus, lavender and roses. Due to these soft fruity aromas, do not expect high tannins. By itself wines from this variety will usually not age on oak.