2024 Caruso e Minini Frappato/Nerello Mascalese 'Frappello'

An unspecified blend of organic Frappato and Nerello Mascalese from vineyards in Salemi, northwestern Sicily. Hand harvested, fermented in steel with native yeasts and aged half in older barrique for four months and half in steel. 13.5% alcohol. 

This light to medium bodied red Sicilian has a bright nose of sour cherry, raspberry, tobacco, pepper and spice, with flavors on the palate to match. The palate is such an interesting combination of Frappato’s snappy red fruits, juicy acid and soft tannins with Nerello’s savory, mineral, tannic bite.  Surprisingly easy to drink and gets better with air. Wonderful pizza and red sauce pairing wine. 

Located on Sicily’s western-most coast near the town of Marsala, Caruso & Minini boasts a history that harks back to the late 1800’s when Antonio Caruso bought the company to grow grapes for the nearby Marsala factories. The company was passed through subsequent generations until Nino Caruso finally decided to begin making and bottling his own wine in the mid 1900’s. In 2004, Stefano Caruso joined forces with Mario Minini of Lombardy to launch the present-day winery, producing wines from indigenous Sicilian varietals such as Catarratto, Nero d’Avola, Frappato, Inzolia, and Nerello Mascalese. Today, Stefano’s daughter Giovanna works closely with her father to head up this historic winery. The winery now boasts 300 acres at 200-400 meters above sea level, including 12.5 acres that are farmed organically and dedicated to Giovanna Caruso’s BIO project.