Occhipinti SP68 Rosso 2023

Deep in the heart of Sicily’s Cerasuolo di Vittoria region, Arianna Occhipinti continues to prove that she is one of the most vital voices in the natural wine movement. The 2023 SP68 Rosso—named for the ancient stone road that borders her vineyards—is a soulful, high-toned blend of 70% Frappato and 30% Nero d’Avola.

While many Sicilian reds lean into the island’s intense heat, Arianna’s 2023 release is a triumph of lift and translucency. It is a “human wine,” born from red sands and limestone, fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeasts, and aged for six months in concrete tanks to preserve every ounce of its vibrant fruit.

This isn’t just a bottle of wine; it’s a snapshot of a place. Arianna’s commitment to biodynamic farming and zero irrigation allows the vines to dive deep into the subsoil, resulting in a red that feels electric and alive. It eschews the heavy oak and extraction of industrial Nero d’Avola in favor of elegance and serious fun. To see this wine at its best, give it a light chill (around 55°F).