$65.00
Located in Sicily, Mt Etna is one of the world's most active volcano, indeed the last eruption happened in 2021! Each flow of lava leaves a unique mineral profile, combine with ancient indigenous grape variety such as Nerello Mascalese which are often ungrafted, you have a recipe for some of the most distinctive and intriguing wines made in Italy.
The story of Passopisciaro started in 2000 when Andrea Franchetti decided to restore an old farm and cellars on the slopes of the volcano. The winery sits at about a thousand meters of altitude above the small wine town of Passopisciaro, on the northern slope of the volcano. He managed to clear and restored long-abandoned terraces of ancient vines. His arrival on Etna helped to initiate the renaissance of viticulture on the mountain and an international discovery of the wines of Etna. Franchetti respects and plays to the strengths of his chosen terroir on Etna, producing wines of remarkable complexity and individual personality.
Why do we like it?
Because we love the character of those wines coming from Mt Etna, comparable to Pinot Noir in Burgundy in the way of expression and nuances. Andrea is one of the old-school wine producers of the area and possesses amazing vine material to work with. The Passorosso is made from a selection of 100 years-old Nerello Mascalese grown on the northern volcanic slope at between 800 and 1000m above sea level. After fermentation, the wines spend 18 months in large oak casks, there is no new oak being use here. It's a fantastic wine, slightly sappy and savoury. The palate is brooding, deep with a complex nose of raspberry, dried roses along with a touch of exotic spice and meaty undertones. We love it!
Grape Nerello Mascalese
Country Italy
Region Sicily
Vintage 2018
