Frappato isn’t the loudest grape in Sicily, but it might be the most memorable. Light, fragrant, and bursting with energy, it shows a different, joyful side of Sicilian red wine. Once mainly used to add fragrance and finesse to Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Frappato has come into its own over the past few decades as more producers bottle it solo.

In May, I tasted many Frappatos during Sicilia en Primeur, organized each year by Assovini Sicilia, an association of 101 Sicilian wineries. The event brings international press to Sicily for seminars, tastings, and a chance to discover the island’s regions and the people behind its wines.

For 2025, the city of Modica hosted the grand tasting. This UNESCO World Heritage site is where ornate Baroque facades rise above cobbled streets, and the air smells faintly of chocolate. Modica’s famous confection, with roots tracing back to the Aztecs, is dark, grainy, and pure in flavor, unlike any other in Italy.

**Duomo of San Giorgio, Modica.** *All photos: Lisa Denning*

Before the tasting in Modica, journalists were divided into small groups, each assigned to explore a different wine territory for a few days. I was thrilled to join the group traveling to the Vittoria region in the province of Ragusa.

In addition to visiting vineyards, we spent time exploring the charming city of Vittoria and nearby landmarks like Donnafugata Castle.

**Inside Vittoria’s beautiful, neo-classical Teatro Comunale.**

**Donnafugata Castle, a late 19th-century noble residence with sprawling gardens and a maze to get lost in.**

**the Museum of Costume contains three centuries of Sicilian fashion.**

This corner of southeastern Sicily is best known for Cerasuolo di Vittoria, the island’s only DOCG wine. A blend of 60 to 70% Nero d’Avola and 30 to 40% Frappato, it’s a study in contrasts: Nero d’Avola contributes power, dark fruit, and structure, while Frappato brings brightness, perfume, and lift. Together, they create a wine that’s both serious yet approachable.

Tasting Cerasuolo and hearing the stories of the people who grow the two grapes gave me a deeper appreciation for how well the two varieties work together. Yet still, it was the lively, aromatic side of Frappato that lingered with me most.

I’ve explored Frappato in more detail on Grape Collective. Take a look:

Sicily’s Red Darling: Frappato’s Time to Shine

Frappato may have started as a supporting actor in Vittoria’s winemaking, but today it feels like the star of the show. It’s the kind of wine and place that leaves you wanting another glass, and another visit.

Three Top Frappato Producers

Arianna Occhipinti

Often called the modern face of Vittoria, Arianna Occhipinti has championed Frappato as a wine of elegance and place.

Il Frappato Terre Siciliani IGT 2022 – $52
A benchmark expression of the grape: perfumed with wild strawberry, rose, and subtle spice, with a silky texture and freshness that defines Occhipinti’s style.
Contrada Series – $95 each
- PT (Pettineo): From 60+ year-old vines rooted in deep orange sand over tufa, this wine is marked by forward fruit and supple, polished tannins.
- FL (Fossa di Lupo): From Arianna’s original 6-hectare site, planted on brown sand over limestone, it shows a savory, saline character with earthy depth.
- BB (Bombolieri): Grown on white sandy soil over pure limestone, this is the most structured and austere of the trio, with firm acidity and a taut mineral edge.

Valle dell’Acate

Led by sixth-generation winemaker Gaetana Jacono, Valle dell’Acate produces Frappato that speaks clearly of Vittoria’s sandy soils. Valle dell’Acate is one of the pioneers in bringing Frappato to the world stage, helping to redefine the grape’s reputation far beyond Sicily.

Il Frappato Vittoria DOC 2022 – $28
Fresh, aromatic, and meant to be enjoyed young, this wine bursts with red berry and floral notes, all wrapped in a soft, graceful texture.
Frappato Vigna Biddine Sottana 2021 – $45
From a parcel of less than two hectares, this cru reflects Jacono’s vision for Frappato: a concentrated yet refined wine with both youthful brightness and layered complexity.

COS

Cos was founded in 1980 by three friends, including Giusto Occhipinti, Arianna’s uncle. Alongside Valle dell’Acate, COS was one of the first estates to help put Frappato in the global spotlight.

Frappato Terre Siciliane IGT 2022 – $32
Bright, lifted, and expressive, this bottling delivers red cherry, raspberry, and pomegranate notes with the lightness and energy that define the grape.