Contrada C (Chiappemacine) Rosso Terre Siciliane IGT 2023

Passopisciaro | Sicily
Vini Franchetti s.r.l. | Via Val d'Orcia 15 | IT 53047 Sarteano

19152723 · 0,75 l · 78,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Chiappemacine is the lowest of the five single vineyards of Passopisciaro – only 550 metres above sea level, at the lowest foothills of the Etna lava flows. Here, where the thin layer of lava meets a limestone bed to which the roots of the 70 to 100-year-old Nerello vines penetrate, a different style emerges: fuller, rounder, more accessible than the higher-lying contrade. This small domain covers just 1.2 hectares – but what grows here has its own personality. Fermented in steel tanks, matured for 18 months in large neutral oak barrels – a minimalist vinification that lets the terroir speak for itself.

Contrada C reveals a delicate, almost floating elegance. The nose reveals wild rose and violet, along with strawberry, sour cherry, a hint of camphor and wild berries, mineral notes of wet stone. The sandstone soil gives the wine a certain richness without disguising the typical Etna freshness. On the palate, Chiappemacine is silky and smooth, almost creamy, with red and black berries, star anise, cinnamon and a salty minerality on the final. The tannins are fine-grained, polished, the acidity lively. Contrada C is the most accessible of Passopisciaro's single-vineyard wines, charming even when young, but with the potential to age for over a decade. A Nerello Mascalese that shows what the lower vineyards on the volcano can achieve: Fullness with finesse, power with elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, bright ruby colour with a broad garnet rim. Fine but restrained nose. Aromas of ripe redcurrants and redcurrant jelly, plus fresh raspberry and dried orange peel. Some grippy, gripping tannins on the palate, opens up in many layers." Falstaff

"A blend of spiced cherries, wild berries, cedar shavings and cloves defines the 2023 Rosso Contrada C. It has a core of silky textures and a mix of red and blue fruits, cool and supple, while a hint of lavender pastille builds towards the finish. It finishes pleasantly tart and tense, with sweet, round tannins." Vinous

"Taut and bright, with powerful tannins, salty cherries and blood oranges and an iron note on the finish. From the Contrada Chiappemacine, at 550 metres above sea level in Passopisciaro. These wines always need a little time to show their best side." Decanter

"An elegant red, with focus and poise, deftly integrating a range of warmed cherry and dried raspberry fruit, wild sage, red licorice and smoked paprika notes with plum skin acidity and fine, chalk-edged tannins. Long and fresh on the palate, echoing a minerally streak of iron and salt." Wine Spectator