2023 Arianna Occhipinti "SP68" Sicilia Bianco

Staff Reviews

OC

Orazio Campoli

Orazio Campoli

K&L Buyer

Review Date: 04/2025

The white wine unites Zibibbo and Albanello grapes to showcase Muscat's floral essence while maintaining the rocky Mediterranean soil characteristics. The wine presents both textural elements and fragrant notes that include orange blossom and wild herbs together with citrus rind and sea breeze scents. The wine experiences fermentation in concrete tanks while displaying a lightweight profile but delivering profound depth.

KK

Kerry Kennell

Kerry Kennell

Review Date: 08/2025

The 2023 Arianna Occhipinti "SP68" Sicilia Bianco is wild, soulful, and captivating with notions of green apple, honeycomb, leather and white blossoms. There’s a hint of gaminess at play but it’s an alluring gaminess, rather than an off-putting one. A delicate finish of lemon zest and minerals highlights its pleasantly rustic charm.

AH

Aaron Hughes

Aaron Hughes

Review Date: 08/2025

This wine is a little bonkers, but sometimes bonkers is a really fun thing. There's a lot of reduction when it first opens, and even now hours later there's a good amount left as well. The nose is super savory, with a little bit of fruit in the very back but with a lot of other notes on top of that. There's wildflowers, toasted corn, white peach, and lemon curd. The palate is just as savory, with some light peach and citrus up front, but then it's very intensely floral again with a pithy and textural lemon finish. I wouldn't be surprised if this had a little bit of skin contact, it's very phenolic, and almost feels like it has a touch of tannin at times during tasting. The palate is definitely a surprise after the nose, and overall this is a good bridge into the natural wine world for people who are looking to take their first steps.

Notes

"SP68" Bianco by Arianna Occhipinti is a natural, organic blend of Albanello and Zibibbo from Sicily, named after the road that runs through the vineyards in Vittoria. This white wine embodies the brightness and character of Sicily’s indigenous grapes. Fermented naturally, it offers a fresh, vibrant profile with minimal intervention, allowing the terroir to shine. On the nose, expect aromas of white peach, lemon zest, and orange blossom, along with subtle herbal and mineral notes. The palate is crisp and lively, with flavors of citrus, pear, and a hint of saline minerality, finishing with a clean, refreshing touch. Arianna Occhipinti’s "SP68" Bianco is a beautifully refreshing and aromatic wine, offering a taste of Sicily’s vibrant winemaking tradition through the lens of natural production. It’s ideal for those seeking an expressive and fresh white wine with character.