Deep ruby color; strawberry, cherry, plum, cranberry, raspberry, pomegranate, spice, rose and violet flowers on the nose and palate.
Dry; minimal tannins and acidity. Light, smooth in the mouth. Easy drinking, casual wine. Frappato grapes primarily are grown in Sicily, and Corvo Irmàna is generally regarded as the signature expression of the grape. DNA studies indicate frappato is related to sangiovese, but is lighter and fresher. It is a component, with Nero d’Avola of Sicily’s only DOCG wine, Cerasuolo di Vittoria. 12.5% ABV
Corvo is part of the Duca di Salaparuta Group pulled together by the Raina family. The other historic brands include Duca di Salaparuta and Florio. It is the largest private wine group in Sicily. Corvo has been produced since 1824 and prides itself on possessing the personality and pleasure for everyday moments and a symbol of the Sicilian lifestyle. Giuseppe Alliata, the Duke of Salaparuta, began it all with goal of producing a wine whose quality outweighed the big and powerful wines then the fashion in Sicily. Carvo is the result of his decision.
Hand-picked grapes for today’s effort come from suppliers all over Sicily. The website notes: “Carefully monitored by technicians in the cellar, all production processes, from the arrival of the grapes in the winery to the storage of the finished product, are fully automated and monitored by cutting-edge technology that ensures quality and traceability of the product. This technology has become the detailed diary of the oenologist, guaranteeing balanced maceration, a controlled temperature during fermentation, complete sterilization of the tanks after processing, and efficient supply chain bottling. It allows Corvo to minimize production anomalies, therefore protecting the consumer and offering the very best expression of each territory. Unorthodox procedures, research, and meticulous care feed the unmistakable quality of Corvo wines.”
Corvo Irmàna Frappato Red Wine 2019 is bright, light, fresh, fruity, delicate. Fun, easy drinker that will please those put off by heavier, more serious red wines. A distinctive red from southeastern Sicily, and another reason to include the Italian island on your wine drinking list. Freshness is its outstanding characteristic. Certainly works for a light red in spring and summer, or any time you just want to toss back and have fun. Pair with pasta dishes, especially with tomato sauces; tapas; antipasti; pizza; beef; lamb; salmon and meaty fish; roast turkey with cranberry sauce; chicken with herbs. Cheese—aged sheep’s milk cheeses; ragusano, pecorino, caciocavallo, bianco sardo. $15-17
Duca di Salaparuta Group website
