Arianna Occhipinti

Biodyna

Organic

Biodynamic

Natural

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History and Philosophy

Arianna Occhipinti, the daughter of a Sicilian wine family, began her winemaking journey with a deep desire to create wines that are both authentic and reflective of their terroir. After studying oenology, Arianna took over the family estate in 2004, when she was just 24 years old. Since then, she has dedicated herself to crafting wines that embrace natural methods—focusing on quality, biodiversity, and a minimalistic approach to intervention in the cellar.

Arianna’s philosophy is grounded in a profound respect for the land. She believes that the key to making great wine lies in the vineyard, and therefore, she focuses on sustainable and biodynamic farming practices. In the cellar, Arianna’s minimal intervention approach allows the grapes and the terroir to express themselves naturally, with little to no additives, and only small amounts of sulfur used in the final stages of production.

Vineyards and Terroir

The vineyards of Arianna Occhipinti are located in the Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG zone, specifically in the communes of Vittoria and Acate, in the southeastern corner of Sicily. The land is rich in historical significance and has a unique Mediterranean climate that provides the perfect environment for cultivating high-quality grapes.

• Soils: The soils in Arianna’s vineyards are predominantly calcareous and clay-based, enriched with minerals that contribute to the complex and fresh character of the wines.

• Climate: The warm, sunny Mediterranean climate, moderated by cooling winds from the sea, provides an ideal setting for organic farming, with long, dry summers allowing for slow grape ripening.

• Vineyard Practices: Arianna Occhipinti farms her vineyards organically, and much of her work in the vineyard follows biodynamic principles. This includes using cover crops, working with the lunar calendar, and minimizing external interventions to promote natural balance.

Grape Varieties

Arianna Occhipinti is best known for her wines made from Sicily’s indigenous grape varieties, showcasing the unique qualities of the island’s terroir. Her main grape varieties include:

• Nero d'Avola: This indigenous red grape is one of Sicily’s most celebrated varieties, known for its deep color, rich fruit flavors, and full-bodied structure.

• Frappato: A rare Sicilian variety that produces wines with an aromatic, floral profile and a lighter, more delicate texture.

• Albanello: A traditional white grape used in her white wines, contributing to freshness and mineral character.

• Grillo: Another Sicilian white variety, known for its vibrant acidity and citrus flavors.

Winemaking Philosophy

Arianna Occhipinti’s approach to winemaking is based on a philosophy of minimal intervention and natural processes. The goal is to allow the grape variety and terroir to shine through in each bottle, without manipulation or excessive use of modern additives.

• Fermentation: All fermentation occurs with native yeasts, ensuring the wines are truly reflective of their terroir.

• Aging: The wines are aged in large, neutral oak casks or concrete tanks to preserve the purity of the fruit. This approach ensures that the wines retain freshness, while still developing depth and complexity.

• Sulfites: Minimal sulfur is used, ensuring that the wines remain as natural and pure as possible.

• Biodynamic Practices: In the vineyards, Arianna uses biodynamic practices, including the use of natural composts, cover crops, and minimal intervention with sprays or treatments.

Wines of Arianna Occhipinti

SP68

One of Arianna’s signature wines, SP68 is a blend of Frappato and Nero d'Avola that showcases the vibrant, fresh, and aromatic qualities of the two varieties.

• Characteristics: Bright red fruits, such as cherries and strawberries, with floral and herbal notes. The wine is light-bodied, fresh, and wonderfully expressive, making it a perfect example of Sicilian natural wine.

Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG

This wine is the estate’s most prestigious offering, a blend of Nero d'Avola and Frappato from the Cerasuolo di Vittoria appellation, Sicily’s only DOCG wine.

• Characteristics: Rich and structured, with complex aromas of dark cherries, spices, and herbs, alongside a subtle earthiness. The wine is elegant, with balanced acidity, firm tannins, and a long finish. It is an age-worthy wine that reflects the true character of the Sicilian terroir.

Albanello

Arianna’s Albanello is a fresh and mineral white wine made from the indigenous Albanello grape.

• Characteristics: Crisp, with citrus, green apple, and floral aromas. The wine is vibrant, with a clean finish and a distinctive minerality that makes it a refreshing choice for seafood or light appetizers.

Grillo

Arianna’s Grillo is another expression of Sicily’s native white grapes.

• Characteristics: Aromas of citrus and white flowers, with a palate marked by fresh acidity and a mineral backbone. The wine is clean, crisp, and elegant, offering a true taste of Sicily’s coastal terroir.

Sustainability and Environmental Commitment

Arianna Occhipinti is deeply committed to sustainable and biodynamic farming practices, focusing on the long-term health of the land and the vineyard ecosystem. Her approach includes:

• Organic Farming: All vineyards are farmed organically, with no synthetic chemicals or fertilizers used.

• Biodynamic Farming: The estate embraces biodynamic principles to enhance soil vitality and promote natural biodiversity.

• Water Conservation: Sustainable water practices are employed to reduce consumption and waste.

• Energy Efficiency: The winery utilizes solar power and other eco-friendly technologies to reduce its carbon footprint.

Reputation and Legacy

Arianna Occhipinti has quickly become one of Sicily’s most respected winemakers, earning international acclaim for her natural wines. Her dedication to quality, sustainability, and the preservation of Sicily’s native grape varieties has positioned her as a key figure in the world of natural wine.

With wines that are vibrant, fresh, and expressive, Arianna Occhipinti has successfully redefined what it means to make wine in Sicily, blending tradition with innovation while remaining committed to environmental stewardship. Whether enjoyed young for their exuberant fruit or aged to discover their complexity, her wines offer a taste of the true soul of Sicily.