Ariadne Occhipinti
Arianna Occhipinti left Sicily to study viticulture in Milan. The fact that Arianna Occhipinti then returned to her homeland despite the prevailing economic problems is probably a rarity. The oenologist and pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in Sicily, already very experienced at a young age, wants to revive the winemaking tradition in the south-east of the island, like her uncle Giusto Occhipinti, owner of the COS farm.
The landowner, who works with great passion in Vittoria but has also been admired for a long time in London and New York, did not like foreign vines. Instead, Arianna, who is supported in her company by five employees, relies on Nero d'Avola and Frappato. At the age of 21, the young patriot started with a one-hectare plot of land and expanded the Occhipinti vineyard to 18 hectares.
Meanwhile, the house's rather atypical Sicilian red wines belong to the best that the largest island in the Mediterranean has to offer. As a result, in 2013 the efficient winegrower magazine "The gourmet", which ships around two thirds of her assortment abroad, was named as an award-winning "Newcomer of the year".
The first hectare of land next to my millstone, in Fossa di Lupo, was followed by others. The company has also extended into the Bombolieri, Bastonaca and Pettineo districts. Yet it is still like the first year. Bombolieri is also on the SP68. The vineyard here sweeps and hunches over the limestone base of the district, the vines are twenty or more years old, and the courtyard overlooked by the cellars manages to trap all the solar power of the Iblei.
Never as in this new landing place do I feel I have followed a coherent path. Never as in Bombolieri do I feel that I am bringing with me the past and the future at the same time. It was the oldest wine route ever attested. On that road generations and generations of farmers had set out to bring their wine to the coast.
WINES OF THE CELLAR Arianna Occhipinti:
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Siccagno Nero D’avola 2017 – Arianna Occhipinti