Passopisciaro

Passorosso is a single-varietal Nerello Mascalese that shows fine garnet-red reflections in its bright ruby red. Proud and fascinating, it presents an intense bouquet of red berries, coffee and olives. Its engaging taste convinces with clear, well-defined fruit and pronounced minerality. Graceful and special. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rather pretty nose of rose petal, red cherry and sliced strawberry. Medium-bodied with gentle, guiding tannins. Linear and very clear on the palate. Bright and charming." James Suckling

Ruby garnet colour, fine violet note and many spices in the bouquet. Dense and compact with firm tannin and sweet fruit melt. If one gives it time, this wine (age of the vines: 100 years, production: 4,000 bottles) stands at the beginning of a long, promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright dark red. Intensely aromatic nose of superripe red cherry, spices, minerals, balsamic vinegar and broom. Then clean, vibrant and tactile, with polished tannins providing noteworthy backbone on the long youthful, chewy finish. This will need a long time to smoothen out. The G in the wine’s name stands for Guardiola (800 meters asl). First made in 2011, so much later than the other single contrada wines by Franchetti." Ian d’Agata (vinous.com)

"Fragrant and light red fruit with rather firm tannins. Seems pretty much ready now, but still in cask for the foreseeable future." Jancis Robinson

"Fresh and light- to medium-bodied, this perfumed red offers dried mint, violet and anise accents to the cherry and mandarin orange peel flavors." Wine Spectator

Passopisciaro's Contrada C is an exquisite red with a dark sensual fruit bouquet. Stylistically like a great Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo, of remarkable intensity on the palate until the lingering final. A muscular and weightless wine at the same time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright shining cherry red with ruby. Small strawberries, redcurrants, juniper berries, slightly loamy, leather spice and black tea on the nose. Builds up lively, with nice pressure, finely woven tannin, very finesse, nevertheless gripping in the back, tactile mineral notes, finishes on a fine salty character." Falstaff

"Just mid ruby. pepnose of red fruit, cherry, rhubarb and raspberry with a spicy undertow and a hint of oak and tobacco leaf. Gorgeous depth and concentration on the palate and with a layer of fine-grained tannins. Real intensity on the finish. Cool-climate spirit in spite of its 15% alcohol." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Contrada Chiappemacine (C) wafts up with a dark blend of black cherries and shaved cedar in an air of ashen smoke. It’s round and soothingly textural, with cooling acidity that enlivens the mineral-tinged red berries and hints of brown spice within. This finishes with a mentholated freshness, while leaving silty tannins to linger, which also keeps the mouth watering for more. It will only require minimal cellaring to show its best. The Chiappemacine cru lies at around 550 meters in elevation with a thin layer of volcanic soils over a bed of limestone." Vinous

"Fragrant spice and cedar notes waft from the glass of this graceful red, accenting the finely-knit range of pureed raspberry, rose and licorice flavors, which are aligned to lightly chalky tannins that firm the minerally finish." Wine Spectator

"Weightless, concentrated and delicious, this has aromas of camphor, wild berries, rose and wet stone. The full-bodied palate delivers crushed raspberry, wild strawberry, cinnamon and star anise before an almost salty finish. Lithe tannins provide finesse and polished support." Wine Enthusiast

Ruby garnet colour, fine violet note and many spices in the bouquet. Dense and compact with taut tannin and sweet fruit melt. Given time, this wine (age of the vines: 100 years, production: 4,000 bottles) is at the beginning of a long, promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby and youthful. Captivating, stony, minerally raspberry nose. Brooding depth, sweetly perfumed. Racy cherry and raspberry with coating tannins sticking to the fruit. Still tight, a little embryonic and super-elegant." Jancis Robinson

"A silky, harmonious red, with a pleasing juiciness to the flavors of steeped cherry and strawberry fruit, fresh, loamy earth and accents of Mandarin orange peel and milled pepper. Hints of tar and herb emerge on the crisp finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Contrada Guardiola (G) lifts from the glass in classic form: dark, smoky, ashy even, with a burst of spiced black cherries that evolves with coaxing. This is lifted in feel, impressing with a core of salty minerality and bright acids before releasing its ripe red fruits and inner rose tones. The 2019 maintains amazing energy while tapering off structured and savory, with hints of sage and fresh plum that linger. The Guardiola is a selection of old vines from within the vineyard, growing between 800 to 1,000 meters in elevation." Vinous

"Showing its Etna pedigree and loaded with finesse, this gorgeous red has inviting aromas of camphor, crushed red berries, blue flowers and Mediterranean brush. Full-bodied but boasting an almost weightless elegance, the enveloping, delicious palate delivers raspberry compote, ripe strawberry and baking spice alongside a flinty mineral note that lends depth. Enveloping, polished tannins provide lithe support while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. It's already showing beautifully so there's no need to wait." Wine Enthusiast

Etna is one of Italy's most fascinating wine regions and Andrea Franchetti is probably the most fanatical producer in this area. Added to this are eighty-year-old, indigenous Nerello Mascalese vines. The single vineyard Contrada Porcaria has a thoroughly masculine personality. Darkly scented with ripe fruit and menthol, the palate is predominantly spice and mineral with many other facets. The course and the final are rich, dense and very convincing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous and just mid ruby. Deeper nose than the Contrada C with perfumed concentrated raspberry and hints of crushed black pepper and stones. Racy acidity cleaves through savoury-sweet raspberry fruit. Very firm but polished tannic spine ending in a chewy raspberry fruit finish. Firm structure." Jancis Robinson

"A dusty and inviting mix of dried roses and cherries is contrasted by hints of ash and smoke as the 2019 Contrada Porcaria (P) blossoms in the glass. This is undeniably elegant in feel, with velvety textures that coast across its medium-bodied frame, delivering mineral-tinged red berries and sweet herbal tones that arch across the palate. It’s lightly structured with grippy tannins that tug at the cheeks, yet the mouth is left watering for more, as hints of pomegranate and plum slowly fade. The Porcaria vineyard stands at 650 meters, with soils that are described by Passopisciaro as, “A frail sheet of lava that splinters under one’s feet.” Give this beauty another year of cellaring to come fully into focus." Vinous

"Aromas of Mediterranean scrub, eucalyptus, smoky flint and wild berries mingle with dark spice. On the full-bodied palate, bright acidity lifts raspberry compote, licorice, slate and blood orange. Taut, polished tannins provide support while the warmth of alcohol lingers on the close." Wine Enthusiast

"A tightly-meshed red, plushly textured despite its dense tannic frame thanks to a swath of macerated black raspberry and cherry fruit, wild sage, singed orange peel and red licorice aromas and flavors. There's good tension, focus and freshness here, but the fruit and spice range, as well as an underpinning of smoky mineral, will be on full display with additional time in the bottle." Wine Spectator

Ruby garnet colour, fine violet note and many spices in the bouquet. Dense and compact with taut tannin and sweet fruit melt. Given time, this wine is at the beginning of a long, promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby. Iron and raspberry. A sense of depth and richness on the nose but still a little subdued. A hint of oak. Mouth-watering raspberry fruit palate but not tart. A firm layer of fine-grained tannin. Very elegant, yet gripping and layered." Jancis Robinson

"A round, medium-bodied red, offering an enticing note of wild strawberry layered upon supple tannins and flavors and aromas of dried rosemary, sweet smoke and sandalwood. Bright and lingering, with a well-spiced finish." Wine Spectator

"Nosing the 2019 Contrada Sciaranuova (S) is a total pleasure. Masses of rose petals, sour cherries, tangerine, cedar and smoke form its wonderfully perfumed bouquet. This is seamlessly silky without any hard edges, displaying a harmonious mix of ripe red fruits and sweet inner spice. It finishes structured, remarkably long, but also fresh, leaving the palate with a youthful concentration, but also residual acids that maintain a juicy persona. The 2019 is a stunning rendition of Sciaranuova." Vinous

"Red berry, rose, wild herb, dark spice and slate aromas shape the enticing nose on this fragrant, gorgeous red. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the savory palate has an ethereal weightlessness, featuring ripe Marasca cherry, pomegranate, blood orange and white pepper before a flinty mineral finish. It already has tension and great depth, but hold a few more years for more complexity." Wine Enthusiast

The individual parcels (micro-locations) on Etna are called Contrade and the Contrada Passochianche (PC) is the new Chardonnay Cru from the magic hand of Andrea Franchetti. In 2000, he had already planted Chardonnay here at an altitude of about 900 metres with a high vine density. The 2018 vintage marks the debut of a wine that impressively reflects the sum of Franchetti's many years of experience on Etna. Like all Contrade wines, it has its very own personality and demonstrates very clearly how a grape variety gains its very own form of expression in different locations. Just 2,660 bottles were filled of this fresh, characterful and salty-mineral Chardonnay and it has taken our hearts by storm! SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, rich straw yellow. Intense and multilayered nose, shows notes of flint, some yeast, then pear and citrus fruits. Spans a wide range on the palate, juicy fresh fruit, well-integrated acidity, long final with a nutty aftertaste." Falstaff

"The 2018 Contrada Passochianche (PC) opens up slowly, both rich and fresh, offering notes of crushed hazelnuts, smoke, hints of custard and raw honey evolving into ripe yellow apple and sweet nuanced florals. This is silky and pliant, balanced by brisk acids and tart stone fruits, while salty minerals and hints of almond add further savory depths. Its concentration and persistence are admirable, as the Passochianche seems to slowly melt away from the palate, leaving a sense of structure along with hints of candied citrus." Vinous

"Delicate but enticing aromas of ripe pear, Spanish broom and toasted nut mingle with Mediterranean brush and balsamic whiffs of camphor on this precise, elegant white. Made with Chardonnay fermented and aged in large oak barrels, the dry, vibrant palate boasts a focused finesse, delivering golden apple, unsweetened lemon drop and white almond alongside bright acidity. Saline mineral notes backup the finish." Wine Enthusiast

"Here's an exciting new wine from Etna's great Tuscan interloper, Andrea Franchetti. His Passopisciaro Vini Franchetti 2018 Contrada PC is an IGT Terre Siciliane wine, much like many of the others in this portfolio, only this time we are faced with a pure expression of Chardonnay made after many years of experience and experimentation with this grape on volcanic soils. This pretty wine reveals a light golden color with medium color saturation. The bouquet is rich and generous with candied fruit, honey, apricot, cumin and a pinch of sweet cinnamon spice. This verges on being an all-out full-bodied wine (thanks to 10 months' aging in oak casks on the fine lees), but it holds back just a bit thanks to an elegant and more slender mid-palate. This release of 2,660 bottles represents a nuanced, age-worthy white, the product of arduous labor from steep, terraced vineyards in the Contrada PC (Passochianche) at 870 to 950 meters in elevation." Robert Parker

The individual parcels (micro-locations) on Etna are called Contrade and the Contrada Passochianche (PC) is the new Chardonnay Cru from the magic hand of Andrea Franchetti. As early as 2000, he had planted Chardonnay here at an altitude of about 900 metres with a high vine density. The 2018 vintage marked the debut of a wine that impressively reflects the sum of Franchetti's many years of experience on Etna. Like all Contrade wines, it has its very own personality and demonstrates very clearly how a grape variety gains its very own form of expression in different locations. Just 2,660 bottles of this fresh, characterful and salty-mineral Chardonnay were filled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright clear straw yellow. Notes of pineapple, lemon blossom and bergamot penetrate the nose, along with flint and juicy yellow apple. Hits the palate with tension, building in layers, tactile mineral, dynamically dense with good pressure, seeming yellow fruit that lingers on the finish." Falstaff

"Intense straw yellow. Like the Passobianco but amplified and fortified with elegant oak notes. Peach and orange on the palate with the oak supporting the fruit. Concentrated and, at the same time, displaying a certain coolness." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Bianco Contrada Passochianche (PC) opens slowly in the glass, with dusty florals and hints of smoke giving way to a vivid note of fresh slices of Granny Smith apple. It’s savory on the palate with textures like pure silk and a cool-toned freshness and salty mineral core. This leaves nuances of raw almond and hints of green melon while tapering off lightly structured. The 2019 PC is an understated beauty." Vinous

Contrada Rampante grows on the highest vineyard of Passopisciaro. The soils have a higher sand content and the harvest takes place later here. On the nose, dark red cherries, flowers, mint and liquorice. Rampante is an elegant, energetic red with clear fruit and silky tannins. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mid ruby. Brooding and hinting at ripe red fruit with iodine notes, oatmeal and still embryonic. Richly tannic racy raspberry fruit. Very long, juicy and energetic, tannic and perfumed. Great long-lasting tannic bite on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"The 2019 Contrada Rampante (R) wafts up with a dramatic yet incredibly pretty display of dried flowers, exotic spices, smoke and sour cherries. This is softly textured and finessed, with bright acidity further enlivening the tart red berries found within. It leaves a staining of minerality, along with fine tannins that emerge only at the very end, as hints of sour citrus and inner rose tones fade. The Rampante vineyard is the highest-altitude site where Passopisciaro farms Nerello Mascalese, at 1,000 meters." Vinous

"Hints of eucalyptus and licorice on the nose carry through on the palate of this fresh red, which is wrapped with plumped cherry and ripe currant fruit flavors, a minerally underpinning and crisp frame of chalky tannins. Enjoyable now, but should show nicely with even short-term aging." Wine Spectator

"Smoky flint, dark spice, blue flower and forest berry aromas come to the forefront along with a whiff of hay. Racy and loaded with mineral tension, the elegant, structured palate delivers crushed raspberry, pomegranate, licorice and ground clove before an almost salty mineral finish. Taut, refined tannins and fresh acidity provide the framework." Wine Enthusiast

Etna is one of Italy's most fascinating wine regions and Andrea Franchetti is probably the most fanatical producer of this region. In addition there are eighty year old native Nerello Mascalese vines. The Contrada Porcaria site has a thoroughly male personality. Dark, fragrant with ripe fruit and menthol, spices and minerals on the palate with many other facets. The course and the finale are rich, dense and very convincing. SUPERIORE.DE

"Almost a little opulent yet leesy on the nose. Pure, concentrated and succulent raspberry fruit with coating tannins. Long and focused. The most hedonistic of all the Passopisciaro 2015s, at least at this stage." Jancis Robinson

"Aromas of wild berry, Mediterranean brush, menthol and dark spice develop in the glass. Elegant and spicy, the structured, focused palate evokes black cherry, crushed strawberry, star anise and clove while a mineral note lingers on the finish. It's well balanced, with bright acidity and firm, polished tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"A well-knit version, with chewy tannins and juicy acidity meshed with generous black cherry and blackberry fruit and dried thyme, violet, and tarry mineral notes on the creamy finish." Wine Spectator

Franchetti Rosso is Passopisciaro's flagship wine and a stunningly perfect wine. The grapes come from 1000-metre-high northern Etna vineyard sites, where the soils are ash and pumice. Franchetti is a ripe, exotic wine that envelops the palate with dark fruit. Refined tannins support the fruit, while an intense inner sweetness adds elegance and finesse. A thoroughly outstanding drop. SUPERIORE.DE

"The wine is saturated and thick, boasting a dark, rich appearance and carrying a 14.5% alcohol content. It shows medium-rich concentration with aromas of blackberry, black plum, spice and tar. There is some fruit softness here, but not very much, as the wine is more etched and sharp in personality. There are end notes of pencil shaving and crushed granite stone. It should be interesting to see how it fleshes out with more time in the bottle." Robert Parker

"The 2018 Franchetti coats the glass in an inky purple color while putting on a dramatic display of rich blackberry and plum sauce, lavender, sage, mocha and hints of smoke. Its velvety textures wash shades of blue and black fruit across the palate, which is seamless and elegant in feel, supported by underpinnings of salty minerals and savory herbs. There's so much going on here, and much more to come through proper cellaring, as this winds down incredibly long and gently tannic, signing off with a resonating note of citrus-tinged currants and spice. The 2018 is a more refined and lifted expression of Franchetti that should enjoy a long and wide drinking window." Vinous

Franchetti Rosso is Passopisciaro's flagship wine and a stunningly perfect wine. The grapes come from 1000-metre-high northern Etna vineyard sites, where the soils are ash and pumice. Franchetti is a ripe, exotic wine that envelops the palate with dark fruit. Refined tannins support the fruit, while an intense inner sweetness adds elegance and finesse. A thoroughly outstanding drop. SUPERIORE.DE

"Expressive, of cherry syrup, ripe blackberries, graphite, a hint of grape juice, elegant spice in the finish. With great substance and concentration, without being full-bodied, clear and precise fruit, stretches wide, savoury, tightly meshed, long." Falstaff

"The 2019 Franchetti is like a dark stallion, muscled and sleek. It opens slowly in the glass, inward yet viral, with dusty dried flowers giving way to nuances of plum, brown spice, cardamom, savory herbs and hints of cocoa. The textures here are like crushed velvet, prominent, almost weighty, yet with a balance of brisk acidity and tart fruits that add contrast. The 2019 leaves a subtle staining of harmonious tannins, along with dark inner florals and hints of black currant that linger incredibly long. The vines for the Franchetti were planted in 2000 within the Guardiola cru." Vinous

Franchetti Rosso is Passopisciaro's flagship wine and a stunningly perfect wine. The grapes come from 1000-metre-high northern Etna vineyard sites, where the soils are ash and pumice. Franchetti is a ripe, exotic wine that envelops the palate with dark fruit. Refined tannins support the fruit, while an intense inner sweetness adds elegance and finesse. A thoroughly outstanding drop. SUPERIORE.DE

"Expressive, of cherry syrup, ripe blackberries, graphite, a hint of grape juice, elegant spice in the finish. With great substance and concentration, without being full-bodied, clear and precise fruit, stretches wide, savoury, tightly meshed, long." Falstaff

"The 2019 Franchetti is like a dark stallion, muscled and sleek. It opens slowly in the glass, inward yet viral, with dusty dried flowers giving way to nuances of plum, brown spice, cardamom, savory herbs and hints of cocoa. The textures here are like crushed velvet, prominent, almost weighty, yet with a balance of brisk acidity and tart fruits that add contrast. The 2019 leaves a subtle staining of harmonious tannins, along with dark inner florals and hints of black currant that linger incredibly long. The vines for the Franchetti were planted in 2000 within the Guardiola cru." Vinous

Franchetti Rosso is Passopisciaro's flagship wine and a stunningly perfect wine. The grapes come from 1000-metre-high northern Etna vineyard sites, where the soils are ash and pumice. Franchetti is a ripe, exotic wine that envelops the palate with dark fruit. Refined tannins support the fruit, while an intense inner sweetness adds elegance and finesse. A thoroughly outstanding drop. SUPERIORE.DE

"Expressive, of cherry syrup, ripe blackberries, graphite, a hint of grape juice, elegant spice in the finish. With great substance and concentration, without being full-bodied, clear and precise fruit, stretches wide, savoury, tightly meshed, long." Falstaff

"The 2019 Franchetti is like a dark stallion, muscled and sleek. It opens slowly in the glass, inward yet viral, with dusty dried flowers giving way to nuances of plum, brown spice, cardamom, savory herbs and hints of cocoa. The textures here are like crushed velvet, prominent, almost weighty, yet with a balance of brisk acidity and tart fruits that add contrast. The 2019 leaves a subtle staining of harmonious tannins, along with dark inner florals and hints of black currant that linger incredibly long. The vines for the Franchetti were planted in 2000 within the Guardiola cru." Vinous

Ruby garnet colour, fine violet note and many spices in the bouquet. Dense and compact with firm tannin and sweet fruit melt. If one gives it time, this wine (age of the vines: 100 years, production: 4,000 bottles) stands at the beginning of a long, promising development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright dark red. Intensely aromatic nose of superripe red cherry, spices, minerals, balsamic vinegar and broom. Then clean, vibrant and tactile, with polished tannins providing noteworthy backbone on the long youthful, chewy finish. This will need a long time to smoothen out. The G in the wine’s name stands for Guardiola (800 meters asl). First made in 2011, so much later than the other single contrada wines by Franchetti." Ian d’Agata (vinous.com)

"Fragrant and light red fruit with rather firm tannins. Seems pretty much ready now, but still in cask for the foreseeable future." Jancis Robinson

"Fresh and light- to medium-bodied, this perfumed red offers dried mint, violet and anise accents to the cherry and mandarin orange peel flavors." Wine Spectator