What wine is Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico 'Grotte Alte' 2020 - Arianna Occhipinti

The Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico 'Grotte Alte' 2020 - Arianna Occhipinti is born in the heart of southeastern Sicily, among the sunny slopes surrounding Vittoria, in the province of Ragusa. It is a DOCG red wine produced from a perfect balance between two native grape varieties, symbols of the island: Nero d’Avola and Frappato. The result is a wine with great identity, capable of expressing the power and sweetness of the territory with extraordinary elegance and depth. The designation “Classico” indicates the historic production areas, where the most authentic and representative version of this wine originates.

Vintage Details

The 2020 vintage was characterized by balanced weather conditions: mild winters, well-distributed rainfall, and a warm but not extreme summer. The grapes were harvested at perfect ripeness between late September and early October, ensuring a harmonious aromatic concentration and ripe tannins. This natural balance is reflected in the glass, offering a wine with a clear, long, and seductive profile.

Winemaking and aging

The Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico 'Grotte Alte' 2020 is vinified according to Arianna Occhipinti's artisanal philosophy, with full respect for the territory. - Fermentation: spontaneous with indigenous yeasts, without temperature control, to preserve the fruit's identity. - Maceration: on the skins for about 30 days, a phase during which the wine acquires structure and color. - Aging: in large oak barrels for 32 months, followed by a period of rest in the bottle to promote harmony in the sip and aromatic complexity.

Tasting Notes

The tasting experience of Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico 'Grotte Alte' 2020 - Arianna Occhipinti is a sensory journey that tells the story of the most authentic Sicily.

Color

Luminous and transparent ruby red, with garnet reflections that testify to the wine's maturity and evolution. Visually, it is elegant and brilliant, a sign of respectful winemaking and natural balance.

Nose

Complex and enveloping aromas ranging from red cherry to pomegranate, with light notes of aromatic herbs, earth, and sweet spices. The aroma slowly opens in the glass, revealing balsamic and mineral nuances that invite discovery.

Taste

On the palate, it is harmonious and balanced: the structure of Nero d'Avola combines with the freshness of Frappato, creating a juicy sip, with fine tannins, a medium body, and a long gustatory persistence. The finish is elegant, with a pleasant savoriness that invites another taste.

Food pairings for Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico 'Grotte Alte' 2020 - Arianna Occhipinti

The versatility of this wine makes it an ideal companion for many Mediterranean dishes. It pairs perfectly with: - pasta dishes with white or red ragù - grilled meats and roasted veal - traditional Sicilian dishes, such as coniglio alla stimpirata or caponata - aged cheeses and local pecorino cheeses Thanks to its elegance, it is also excellent with flavorful vegetarian dishes, such as baked eggplant and herb risottos.

Storage and aging

For those wondering how to store Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico 'Grotte Alte' 2020 - Arianna Occhipinti wine, the answer is simple: constant temperature (12-16°C), a dark environment, and a horizontally stored bottle. These conditions allow the wine to maintain its freshness and complexity over time. Thanks to its structure and the perfect balance between acidity and tannin, it has a remarkable aging potential. It can be safely stored for 10 years or more, developing deeper aromas of spices, earth, and ripe fruit that make it even more fascinating with age.