When we talk about Italian red wine, we often stick to familiar names and well-known regions. And yet, it only takes a short trip further south—specifically to Sicily, in the area around Vittoria—to discover two wines that surprise with their freshness, character, and drinkability: Frappato and Cerasuolo di Vittoria.
The event organized by the Enoteca Regionale Siciliana sede Sud-est and Vittorio Ferla was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss—a chance to get closer to two of my favorite grape varieties, especially with summer just around the corner.
Frappato is a Sicilian red that I’d describe as having a “light and lively” character. It usually has a fairly pale color and aromas reminiscent of fresh red fruits like cherries and wild strawberries, along with floral notes and sometimes a touch of spice. What always stands out to me is how easy it is to drink. It’s fresh, clean, with barely-there tannins and a lightness that makes it perfect in many situations. It’s not a wine that tries to be complex or demanding—and I believe that’s exactly where its strength lies.
Personally, I think Frappato is at its best when it stays true to itself: simple, direct, and sincere. When it doesn’t try to be “bigger” or more structured than it is, it really shines. It’s the kind of red you can open without overthinking it, even slightly chilled, and it has a way of pleasing just about everyone at the table.
The second round of the masterclass introduced the Cerasuolo di Vittoria, a blend of Frappato and Nero d’Avola. Frappato brings the fragrance and freshness; Nero d’Avola adds structure and depth. The result is a wine that’s richer than pure Frappato, but still balanced and never heavy. The fruit becomes darker and riper, the spice is more pronounced, and the sip is fuller. It’s a red that pairs well with more flavorful dishes, yet remains very drinkable, without ever going over the top.
I like to think of Frappato and Cerasuolo di Vittoria as two expressions of a lesser-known side of Sicily—one that speaks of lightness, elegance, and respect for its land. These aren’t wines for meditation or grand occasions—and that’s perfectly fine with me. They’re wines to drink, to share, to enjoy without too many explanations. In a wine world often ruled by power and intensity, these two reds offer a fresher, more authentic alternative that’s deeply tied to the land they come from.
And then there’s the curious mention of “Mesopotamian wine.” This nickname comes from the local name for the Vittoria wine region in southeastern Sicily, sometimes called “the Mesopotamia of Sicilian wine.” The word Mesopotamia literally means “land between two rivers,” and in the same way, the Vittoria wine area lies between two rivers: the Ippari and the Dirillo. That’s where the comparison comes from.
If you haven’t tried them yet, I really suggest you do. And maybe—just like it happened to me—you’ll discover that a simple, well-made Frappato can offer a refreshingly different experience compared to other “important” reds.
