The red wine variety Fraapato is a grape variety native primarily to the province of Ragusa in the south of Sicily, from where it probably comes. It was first mentioned in 1760 in Vittorio, Ragusa province. The name could refer to a derivation of the word "fruttato", which means "a lot of fruit". The Frappato is closely related to the Sangiovese grape variety, which is primarily found in Tuscany. According to relevant DNA analyses, the Frappato and Gaglioppe varieties could also be siblings. The late-ripening variety with its thin-skinned berry skins is very susceptible to rot diseases. Today Frappato is still grown in the province of Ragusa, but also in Trapani. The vineyards are estimated at around 1000 hectares in total. Here the Frappato is made in a single variety, but it is often blended with other varieties such as Nero d'Avola, Nerello Mascalese or Nocera, and sometimes even with white wine varieties such as Inzolia or Catarratto Bianco. In the meantime, well-known producers, such as Cos, have also taken up this grape variety again. Occurrences outside of Sicily are not yet known.
This grape variety is also known by the name of:
Frappatu, Frappato di Vittoria, Frappato Nero, Frappatu di Vittoria, Nero Capitano, Nerello, Surra
