Le Fontane Cerasuolo di Vittoria '22

Cerasuolo di Vittoria is the only DOCG in Sicily, produced around the town of Vittoria in the southeastern corner of the island. The wine combines the fragrant, delicate character of Frappato with the darker fruit and structure of Nero d’Avola. Its name comes from cerasa, the Sicilian word for cherry, a reference to the wine’s brilliant color and vibrant red fruit character.

Le Fontane is a new estate founded by brothers Paolo and Giovanni Occhipinti, the sons of Giusto Occhipinti, one of the founders of COS and a pioneer of natural wine in Sicily. The brothers grew up among the family vineyards, barrels, and amphorae, but eventually decided to create a project that reflected their own ideas about the wines of Vittoria. Their first wine was this 2022 Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico, which carries the name of the estate and serves as the foundation for everything they are building.

The wine is an equal blend of Frappato and Nero d’Avola from three organically and biodynamically farmed parcels totaling three hectares. The vineyards sit at approximately 230 meters above sea level and were planted in 2000, 2005, and 2010. The soils combine reddish brown sand with clay and a limestone subsoil, providing excellent drainage while helping the vines retain enough moisture during Sicily’s dry summers.

Fermentation takes place with indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks, followed by an extended maceration on the skins. The wine is then aged for 24 months in large Slavonian oak casks ranging from 30 to 40 hectoliters, followed by an additional six months in bottle. Production is extremely limited, totaling only around 500 cases.

The wine is wonderfully aromatic, with notes of red cherry, wild strawberry, pomegranate, violets, earth, and Mediterranean herbs. The palate is juicy and energetic, with fine tannins, bright acidity, and a long, savory mineral finish. This is an exciting first release from two brothers who clearly learned a great deal growing up at one of Sicily’s most important estates, yet are determined to write their own story. A great pizza night wine.