Grape · Red
Frappato
Warm climate
About
Light, fragrant red grape from southeast Sicily. Key component of Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG (blended with Nero d'Avola). Produces wines with bright red fruit, floral aromatics, and low tannins. Best drunk young and slightly chilled.
Typical profile
Body
Lean
Tannins
Silky
Acidity
Crisp
Sweetness
Dry
Aromas
What the grape gives up young, and what it grows into with time in bottle.
Oak influence
None
Aging
Drink within 2-4 years.
Growing regions
How the grape expresses across places, grouped by country. Chips call out how a region's style deviates from the grape's default.
Food pairings
Sicilian caponata with roasted eggplant and pine nutsGrilled swordfish with cherry tomato and caper sauceOsso buco alla Milanese with saffron risottoRoasted chicken thighs with rosemary and lemonPasta alla norma with ricotta salataPan-seared tuna with Mediterranean herb crust
Similar grapes
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Frappato taste like?▼
Frappato offers bright red fruit flavors like strawberry and cherry, complemented by floral notes of rose and herbal undertones. It's characterized by low tannins and a light, fragrant profile that makes it very approachable and elegant.
Where does Frappato grow best?▼
Frappato thrives in the warm climate of southeast Sicily, where it's indigenous. The grape performs particularly well in the Vittoria region, where it's a key component of the prestigious Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG.
What food pairs with Frappato?▼
With its light body and low tannins, Frappato pairs beautifully with lighter fare like grilled fish, poultry, or Mediterranean vegetables. Its bright acidity and floral character also complement tomato-based pasta dishes and fresh cheeses typical of Sicilian cuisine.
How does Frappato age?▼
Frappato is best enjoyed young to preserve its vibrant fruit and floral character. With some aging, the wine develops more complex aromatics of dried flowers and earthy notes, though it generally doesn't require extended cellaring.
Is Frappato similar to other similar grapes?▼
Frappato shares similarities with other light, fragrant red varieties like Pinot Noir or Gamay in terms of its delicate structure and bright fruit character. However, its distinctive floral aromatics and herbal notes give it a uniquely Sicilian personality that sets it apart.