Arianna Occhipinti

SM

Italy, Sicily

2023

Sicilian star Arianna Occhipinti's 100% grillo is crafted in the Vittoria sub-region on the southeast of the island. Made from select vineyards on calcareous soils, it captures the character of the Mediterranean with its notes of orange blossom, fennel, peach and apricot with a lick of salt. Prawns are its best friend.

Arianna Occhipinti has become a defining voice of Sicily's new generation, rooted in the landscapes around Vittoria where she grew up. Since founding her estate in 2004 at just 22, she has championed organic farming, low‑intervention winemaking and the expressive potential of native varieties.

Arianna Occhipinti

SM is her interpretation of Sicilian moscato – a variety historically associated with sweetness, but here reimagined as a dry, textural wine shaped by limestone soils and Mediterranean breezes.

The 2023 vintage is sourced from old-vine parcels on the Altopiano Ibleo, where Occhipinti farms with biodiversity and soil health as central priorities. Fermentation uses native yeasts in concrete, followed by gentle ageing in both concrete and large neutral casks to preserve aromatic purity while adding subtle depth. The result is a wine that is lifted yet grounded, marked by floral intensity, saline freshness and Occhipinti's unmistakable signature of elegance and authenticity.

Tasting
NOTES

As you'd expect with grillo, stone fruits shine in this wine, which begins with pretty notes of ripe pear, peach, apricot and mango, with white flowers like chamomile and honeysuckle playing a supporting role. The palate is full and rounded, with bright acidity and fennel seed and orange blossom flavours. Richly textured, the finish is sweet-savoury with salt and honey flavours. While it may be low in alcohol, this wine is full of flavour.

Food
PAIRINGS

This charming grillo would be best friends with prawns. Try it with grilled tiger prawns marinated with romesco, a prawn, kombu and crab consommé, or a Sri Lankan prawn curry.