Frappato

Background and Origins

The origins of Frappato are still somewhat controversial, but it is generally believed that this grape is closely linked to the Vittoria region of Sicily. The earliest written mention dates back to 1760, when the botanist Domenico Sestini referred to Frappato in his work "Notes on the Wines of Vittoria," highlighting the deep connection between this variety and the Vittoria region.

As time passed, Frappato gradually became one of the important indigenous varieties of Sicily, playing a significant role in local agriculture and culture. Despite its long history, in recent years, Frappato has gained renewed market attention due to the increasing demand for light, fruity red wines. Today, it is not only an important component of Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG but has also started to appear as a single varietal, allowing more consumers to experience the charm of this unique wine.
The name Frappato also has several interpretations, but the most convincing is that "Frappato" comes from "rappatu," a Sicilian dialect term meaning "many clusters," describing the compact and abundant bunches of this variety.

Genetic studies show that Frappato is closely related to the renowned Italian Sangiovese grape, which gives it a place among Italian grape varieties. This research suggests that Frappato may be the result of cross-breeding between Sangiovese and other unidentified grape varieties, further emphasizing its importance in Italian wine culture.

Reasons for Popularity

Light and Fruity: Frappato is loved for its light body and vibrant fruitiness. Wines made from this grape typically feature bright flavors of red fruits such as strawberries, raspberries, and pomegranates, providing a refreshing taste that is perfect for summer or outdoor gatherings.

Low Tannin and High Acidity: Frappato wines usually have a lower tannin content, making them softer and easier to drink. The high acidity enhances the freshness of the wine, making it an ideal choice for pairing with food.

Strong Adaptability: Frappato can grow well in various soil types, particularly in sandy and limestone soils. These soil conditions contribute to enhancing the flavor of the grapes, allowing different regions to produce unique styles of Frappato wines.

Culture and Tradition: As an important indigenous variety of Sicily, Frappato carries the rich culture and history of the region. With the increasing emphasis on indigenous varieties, more wineries are focusing on producing high-quality Frappato wines, further elevating its market recognition.

Tasting Characteristics

Fruit Aroma: It is known for its distinct red fruit aromas, including strawberries, raspberries, and pomegranates. The fruitiness gives the wine an inviting sweet fragrance in the nose.

Spice: Often carries subtle spice notes such as white pepper, clove, and tobacco. This adds complexity to the body of the wine, making each sip full of surprises.

Texture: It has a light and smooth texture, with high acidity and low tannins, making it easy to drink without feeling heavy. This characteristic makes it very suitable for pairing with various foods and also makes it a great choice for a refreshing summer drink.

Main Production Areas

Frappato is a rare grape variety primarily cultivated in the Mount Etna region of Sicily, Italy.

Vittoria: Considered one of the most important growing areas for Frappato, this region features a warm and dry climate with good ventilation conditions. The soil is primarily composed of loose red sand, which not only has good drainage but also maintains moisture balance. The vineyards in Vittoria are usually located at altitudes of about 120 to 150 meters, allowing for significant temperature differences between day and night, which helps maintain the acidity and aromas of the grapes.
In this area, Frappato is often blended with Nero d'Avola to create Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, which is the only DOCG wine from Sicily. This blending not only enhances the structure of the wine but also makes Frappato's fruitiness more pronounced, resulting in a final product with elegant and complex flavors.

Ragusa: The Ragusa region is also an important area for the cultivation of Frappato, known for producing Cerasuolo di Vittoria. The climate and soil conditions of this region are similar to that of Vittoria but are more diverse in certain aspects. The soils in Ragusa contain limestone and clay components, which provide Frappato with richer minerals, enhancing the structure and flavor of the wine.

Trapani: The Trapani region also has some quality Frappato vineyards, where the climate is relatively warm and dry, making it very suitable for producing light and fruity red wines. The soil types are diverse, including sandy, limestone, and clay, providing different layers of flavor for Frappato.

Many wineries are beginning to focus on producing single-varietal Frappato wines to showcase their uniqueness and charm. These wines typically feature bright red fruit aromas and refreshing acidity, making them an ideal choice for enjoying in summer or pairing with various dishes.