Occhipinti : Siccagno Nero d'Avola 2023

Characteristics and tasting notes of the Siccagno Nero d'Avola 2023 Occhipinti

Tasting

Colour
The colour reveals a vibrant ruby red hue, with subtle garnet reflections at the rim of the glass.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet stands out for its lovely complexity, blending dark fruit aromas such as crushed blackberry, plum and cherry. These are joined by delicate notes of spice, vanilla and tobacco, enhanced by a mineral and saline dimension reminiscent of iodine, seaweed and black olive.

Palate
On the palate, this red wine reveals a refined texture supported by delicate tannins. The fruity flavours of blackberry and plum pair beautifully with a lovely refreshing acidity and hints of salinity. The finish, of moderate length, extends the pleasure with mineral and olive nuances.

Food and wine pairing

Thanks to its mineral profile and lovely acidity, this wine pairs wonderfully with seafood dishes such as white fish and shellfish. It also goes perfectly with pasta in tomato sauce with Mediterranean herbs, a creamy risotto, grilled red meats, or Middle Eastern culinary specialities.

Service and storage

To fully appreciate the Siccagno Nero d'Avola 2023, it is recommended to serve it at a temperature between 14 and 16°C, after allowing it to breathe for about an hour. This wine can be enjoyed now, but will develop even greater complexity with cellaring, drinking well until around 2043.

The authentic expression of a great Sicilian red wine by Arianna Occhipinti

The estate

Founded in 2004, the Occhipinti estate quickly established itself as an essential reference in Sicily and Italy. Passionately led by Arianna Occhipinti, the estate now spans 30 hectares, of which 22 are dedicated to vines. Deeply attached to her terroir, the winemaker has cultivated her land according to the principles of organic farming and biodynamics since 2009. The Occhipinti estate stands out for its philosophy of minimal intervention, aiming to preserve biodiversity and express the authenticity of native Sicilian grape varieties through vibrant, identity-driven cuvées.

The vineyard

Located in the southeast of the island, at the heart of the Cerasuolo di Vittoria appellation in Sicilia, the vineyard behind this cuvée sits at an altitude of around 280 metres. The vines thrive under a Mediterranean climate, bathed in sunshine and cooled by winds descending from the Iblei mountains. The soils, of medium consistency, are composed of red sand and limestone. This high-altitude terroir, worked in strict accordance with biodynamic and organic principles, allows for grapes of great concentration while preserving a lovely freshness.

Winemaking and aging

True to the estate's philosophy, the Siccagno Nero d'Avola 2023 is crafted with as little intervention as possible. Fermentation begins naturally thanks to indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks. This is followed by a long skin maceration of 25 to 30 days, allowing for the extraction of colour and structure. The wine is then aged for 22 months in large 25-hectolitre Slavonian oak casks, preserving the brightness of the fruit. Finally, the wine rests for two months in bottle before release. It is bottled without any filtration or clarification.

Grape variety

100% Nero d'Avola