Frappato is a light-bodied red grape widely grown on the southeastern coast of Sicily. The grape is of great historical importance, both for its wines and its legislative influence. In 2005, the Cerasuolo di Vittoria region became Sicilys first and only DOCG. Cerasuolo di Vittoria wines are a blend of Frappato and the regions main grape, Nero d Avola.
Cherry-colored, aromatic and low in tannins, varietal Frappato wines are light bodied and slightly reminiscent of good Beaujolais. However, Frappato is found in more blended wines than varietal examples, and this is where the variety really shines.
Nero d Avola is its prime blending partner, because of its complementary bodyweight and concentration of color; the two varieties combine to produce a red wine that is typically designed for short-to-medium term cellaring. Frappato wines may also be blended with Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio and Nocera.
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Single
Varietal wines made from Frappato grapes tend to have floral aromas of
raspberry, red cherry, rose, fresh herbs. juicy red berry fruit flavors continue
on the palate complemented by soft supple tannins and brisk acidity.
Frappato Grapes
Despite
their reputation for being wines that need to be drunk young, Frappato wines
tend to age fairly well up to ten years in the bottle due to the grape's natural
acidity, in those wines the fresh fruit and flowers notes will still show along
with dried fruit and flower notes and with hints of chocolate.
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