Wines, foods and intriguing history of Sicily offer never-ending learning experiences. Just recently, I was sent (as samples) two bottles of Frappato, a wine I’ve tasted in a blend but not recently as a single varietal. Impressed with not only the price point, but with Frappato’s ability to pair with some of my favorite foods, you will be, too.
Frappato Can Be Found in a Blend or as a Single Varietal
According to authors Jancis Robinson et. al. in Wine Grapes, Frappato is said to have originated in Vittoria, in the provice of Ragusa located in the south of Sicily. The word itself is derived from frattato, meaning “fruitful” and DNA research suggests a genetic link between Frappato and Sangiovese. The grape has thin, fragile skins and on the vine, compact clusters make Frappato easily susceptible to botrytis bunch rot.
Frappato – Photo Credit: Grape Collective
Frappato is often blended with indigenous Sicilian red varietals Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese, and Nocera to add complexity and at times, with white varietals such as Inzolia and Catarratto Bianco. In Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG, Frappatto contributes 30-50% of the blend and is authorized in Alcamo, Eloro, Erice and Vittoria DOCs. As of 2020, Frappato is cultivated in Sicily within 2385 acres/965 hectares. As a single varietal, Frappato may be a rare find, but it’s now more accessible since more Sicilian winemakers realize that Frappato in its purist form has an allure that is hard to ignore.
Frappato Vineyards at Planeta – Photo Credit: Planeta
Taste the Mediterranean In a Glass of Frappato
Fruit forward, floral and fresh, wines are graceful and elegant – not at all heavy. Notes of dried strawberries, pomegranate, white pepper, tobacco and cloves may be found on the nose and palate. We may also discover Mediterranean flavors such as olives, rosemary, eucalyptus, and sea breeze. The wines of Frappato I’ve tasted boast vibrant, food friendly acidity and moderate tannic structure.
Of course, when pairing Frappato with food, consider Sicilian cuisine such as arancini (rice balls stuffed with cheese), eggplant dishes, fresh grilled seafood, white pizza with roasted vegetables or pasta with ragu. Then again, roast chicken, turkey, hamburgers, moussaka, souvlaki, veal or even pad Thai are mouthwatering choices with a glass of lightly chilled Frappato. Drink it young or cellar for about 2-3 years.
Single Varietal Wines to Try Now
The first time I had Frappato from Planeta in Sicilia Vittoria DOC was in 2019 at a wine and food pairing dinner in Chicago – their 2013 vintage, the first for their single varietal, was poured for fortunate guests. This time, I opened a bottle of the Planeta Frappato 2021 ($25.99) – delicious with juicy cheeseburgers and mushrooms right off the grill. On the nose, bright red and purple florals wafted from the glass and on the palate, smoke, balsamic and ripe red berry notes were a mouthwatering complement to a weeknight diner. For more about the organic vineyards (and more) at Planeta, click HERE.
From Sicilia DOC is Gurrieri Frappato 2022 ($25.99), from grapes farmed in certified organic vineyards. Beautiful floral and pomegranate fruit, spice and green tea notes on the nose on the nose and palate played well with dinner of roast chicken and creamy pasta. For more about Gurrieri, click HERE.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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