Santa Tresa Rina Russa Organic Frappato 2023

Rina Russa genuinely has its own unique style, as the Frappato grapes come from ancient clones developed on our own estate. It has a very beautiful light cherry colour, with a fresh and vibrant bouquet, reminiscent of wild strawberries and a beautifully balanced palate, with silky smooth fruit, a real freshness running through it and a surprisingly long finish.

The grapes come from our Santa Tresa Estate in the Vittoria area of South East Sicily. In order to cultivate these delicate grapes, time and resources are invested in canopy management and undersoil irrigation to ensure the Frappato does not suffer from excessive sun exposure or dehydration. The soil is famous for its red colour ('terra rossa' soil) deriving from its iron richness. The topsoil is one meter deep, sitting on limestone over a mixture of the other rocks.

The grapes are carefully picked by hand towards the end of September and are carefully put into small containers of 15kg.

The grapes are chilled overnight in a refrigerated room to lower the temperature to 6-8°C, in order to preserve the particular qualities of the Frappato. After a very gentle destemming and crushing the grapes are fermented at a temperature of about 18-22°C for 10-12 days. The wine is separated from the skins and malolactic fermentation is allowed to take place naturally. After the malolactic fermentation is completed, the wine is kept on its fine lees for about 4-6 months in stainless steel tanks, with regular stirring, before bottling.

4-6 months on fine lees

Great with fihs, light meat dishes and tomato based sauces.