Wine of the Week: 2017 Valle dell’Acate Il Frappato

When the weather’s hot, I like drinking many of my red wines with at least a slight chill. Even a hearty red will benefit from a few minutes in the fridge – the tannins and alcohol will taste less pronounced.

There are some reds that are really made for chilling, and frappato is one of them. Frappato is a light-bodied red grape grown primarily in Sicily, especially in the Vittoria area in the south, where this wine was produced. Frappato is a main component of the Cerasuolo di Vittoria blend, but it can also stand alone. Straight frappato is best served chilled (though not icy cold), kind of like an Italian version of Beaujolais or Beaujolais-Villages.

The 2017 Valle dell’Acate Il Frappato, made from organically grown grapes, is light, bright and refreshing, with cherry and strawberry flavors and racy acidity. It’s a great accompaniment to lighter meat dishes, fish such as grilled salmon or perhaps grilled vegetables or pasta salad. The retail price is around $20.

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