WTN: Summer time in a bottle ('09 Occhipinti SP68)

[David M. Bueker]

2009 Arianna Occhipinti Nero d'Avola SP68 Sicilia IGT
There are wines that conjure thoughts of a sunny day. This is one of those wines. Even as the clouds roll in for our latest deluge and Biblical great flood event, a sip of SP68 requires mandatory use of SPF68 to prevent sunburn. Yes it has red fruits and herbal accents, but it's more about standing in the orchard as a cool breeze takes the edge off the warmth of the strong, mid-day sun. It is hard to imagine a wine that can make Beaujolais seem ponderous, but this one does it. Smile inducing wine.

It is hard to imagine a wine that can make Beaujolais seem ponderous, but this one does it.

That's a lovely comparison.

It is hard to imagine a wine that can make Beaujolais seem ponderous, but this one does it.

That's a lovely comparison.

I think Pineau d'Aunis or Loire gamay might also serve that function. But somehow they make me think more of spring than summer.

Nice to hear about this wine.

David, I saw your review on CellarTracker and didn't realize you were the author but was thinking what an evocative review. I too like the Occhipinti SP 68 although I have only had the 2008 vintage--first at a Louis/Dressner wine dinner and then purchased a bottle. I was thinking this wine would be a crowd pleaser and might be a good one to introduce at a church fundraiser wine tasting.

[David M. Bueker]

JC - Rieslingfan=me!

Anyway, I would think that non-geeks might really like this, though it could frustrate them with its very limited availability. It really stinks to get attached to something & then not be able to find it.

[David M. Bueker]

Day 2 and while at home it's cloudier (and raining hard), the wine is sunnier than on day 1.

David, I saw your review on CellarTracker and didn't realize you were the author but was thinking what an evocative review. I too like the Occhipinti SP 68 although I have only had the 2008 vintage--first at a Louis/Dressner wine dinner and then purchased a bottle. I was thinking this wine would be a crowd pleaser and might be a good one to introduce at a church fundraiser wine tasting.

I'm very fond of the 08 SP 68 and bought a case for myself. David has done a fine job of describing.