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OCCHIPINTI SP68 Bianco
OCCHIPINTI SP68 Bianco
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$31.00 USD
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Occhipinti SP68 Bianco is a captivating natural white wine from the sun-drenched island of Sicily, crafted by Arianna Occhipinti at her estate near Vittoria in the province of Ragusa. This wine is a blend of two indigenous Sicilian grapes—Albanello and Zibibbo (the local name for Muscat of Alexandria)—sourced from biodynamically farmed vineyards rooted in the region’s distinctive red sandy soils, rich with limestone and volcanic ash. The vines, averaging 15-20 years old, thrive in the arid, windy climate near the Mediterranean coast, contributing to the wine’s intense aromatics and vibrant freshness.
Arianna’s approach to winemaking is minimalist and hands-on, emphasizing the purity of the fruit and terroir. The grapes are hand-harvested, with Albanello providing structure and Zibibbo lending its floral exuberance. After a gentle pressing, the juice ferments spontaneously with native yeasts, undergoing a short skin contact period—typically 10-15 days—in concrete tanks or stainless steel vats. This maceration gives the wine its characteristic golden hue and subtle tannic grip. It then ages for about 6 months in the same vessels, with occasional lees stirring to enhance texture, before being bottled unfiltered, unfined, and with minimal or no added sulfites.
In the glass, SP68 Bianco glows with a hazy straw-to-amber color, hinting at its skin-contact origins. The nose is an aromatic explosion, marrying Zibibbo’s heady notes of orange blossom, jasmine, and ripe peach with Albanello’s more restrained hints of green apple, wild herbs, and saline minerality—a reflection of Sicily’s coastal influence. On the palate, it’s dry and textured, with a lively acidity that balances the wine’s floral richness. Flavors of citrus zest, stone fruit, and a touch of honey unfold, finishing with a subtle grip and a salty, mineral-driven edge. At around 12-12.5% alcohol, it’s both refreshing and substantial.
Named after the Strada Provinciale 68 road near Arianna’s winery, SP68 Bianco pairs beautifully with Sicilian classics like seafood pasta, grilled fish, or caponata, and shines when served chilled at 10-12°C. This wine embodies Occhipinti’s philosophy of capturing Sicily’s wild beauty in the bottle—aromatic, soulful, and alive. Drink it young to enjoy its vivid fruit, though it can evolve intriguingly over a couple of years, gaining depth and complexity.
