What’s Light, Floral, and Sicilian?
In a region famous for Marsala, Frappato — a red grape variety — is equally as iconic. It is reminiscent of Pinot Noir but with a more Mediterranean style, making it a quintessential summer red.
What's In This Video?
Frappato is a Sicilian grape variety, Sicily being the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. The grapes for the wine featured in this video grow on the island's southern edge in the Vittoria region. With the intense sun in the area, it welcomes influence from the Sirocco wind to help with airflow and keep acidity levels in check. Elevations, some as high as 700 feet, also help keep things cool.
Frappato is pale in color and has red fruit characteristics of strawberry sauce, dried strawberry, and cranberry. This wine also exudes a minerality, like wet clay, and floral notes of subtle dried rose petals, similar to potpourri.
Winemakers use lower temperatures and stainless steel during fermentation to maintain the grape's integrity. Despite the warm climate, you won't experience high tannins because Frappato inherently has limited tannins.
Wines Like This:
For a similar light-bodied, fruity style, try Cinsault from South Africa or Pinot Noir from Tasmania.
As usual, this wine is part of Wine Folly Club. Join Wine Folly club → https://wfol.ly/club
Learn wine at Wine Folly → https://wfol.ly/newsletter
Take a wine course → https://wfol.ly/YT-course
Wines Mentioned
Duca di Salaparuta
2020 Calanìca Frappato
Terre Siciliane | Sicilia
Elegant rose and violet notes enrich the new Frappato of the Calanìca Line. This wine reflects all the distinctive features of the area where it is produced, which is also depicted on the label, making it the ideal choice for having a toast with friends.
Velvety with gentle tannins, great aromatic persistence
Related Videos
Guide To Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The 5 Best Red Wines For Beginners
Alto Adige Wine Tour by Bike: What Was I Thinking?
Join Our Newsletter
Jumpstart your wine education and subscribe to the Wine Folly newsletter right now. Always awesome. Always free.
sign up free