Occhipinti : SP68 Bianco 2024

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for the SP68 Bianco 2024 from Occhipinti

Tasting

Appearance

The wine shows a bright straw-yellow hue, enhanced by delicate golden highlights.

Nose

Wonderfully intense, the nose opens with a floral bouquet reminiscent of jasmine, chamomile and honeysuckle. It then reveals aromas of citrus and stone fruit such as white peach and apricot, lifted by a mineral touch and herbaceous notes of garrigue and dried sage.

Palate

Fresh and vibrant, the palate offers a complex texture and a medium body. Fruity flavors of lemon, grapefruit and white plum intertwine with a saline minerality. The whole is supported by a lovely acidity, leading to a crisp finish with umami and balsamic nuances.

Food and Wine Pairing

This white wine pairs wonderfully with seafood, shellfish or fish ceviche. It is also an excellent match for grilled Mediterranean vegetables, summer salads, fresh cheeses and light white meats.

Serving and Cellaring

The SP68 Bianco 2024 can be enjoyed in its youth for its freshness, but also has the potential to age for several years if stored under optimal conditions.

The Authentic and Distinctive Expression of a White Wine from Sicily by Arianna Occhipinti

The Estate

Founded in 2004 by Arianna Occhipinti, then just twenty-two years old, the eponymous estate is located in Vittoria, in southeastern Sicily. Still run today by Arianna Occhipinti, the estate covers 25 hectares that are certified organic and have been farmed biodynamically since 2009. A leading figure in the natural wine movement, the winemaker favors a minimal-intervention approach to express the authenticity of her terroir. Awarded the Robert Parker Green Emblem in 2022, Occhipinti is recognized worldwide for its ecological commitment and the distinctiveness of its cuvées.

The Vineyard

The grapes come from vines between twenty and sixty years old, spread across several plots located at an altitude of 280 to 300 meters in Sicily. This distinctive terroir is characterized by red sandy soils resting on a limestone bedrock. Swept by the moderating winds of the Iblei Mountains, the vineyard is worked entirely by hand in strict accordance with biodynamic principles, thereby fostering rich biodiversity.

The Vintage

The year was marked by particularly challenging weather conditions, with heavy spring rains followed by extreme summer heat. Strong fungal pressure, notably downy mildew, led to a significant drop in yields. However, this natural selection allowed the surviving berries to reach remarkable concentration and quality.

Winemaking and Aging

The grapes are harvested by hand, with rigorous sorting of the bunches. After destemming, the fermentation of the SP68 Bianco 2024 starts spontaneously thanks to indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks. The process includes a skin maceration of approximately two weeks. The aging of this Italian wine then continues for six months in concrete tanks, followed by an additional month in bottle. The wine is bottled without filtration.

Grape Varieties

Zibibbo (60%) and Albanello (40%).