“Franchetti” Rosso Terre Siciliane IGT 2022 · MAGNUM

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

19153722 · 1,5 l · 166,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping3 units available

The wine bears the name of its creator – and with good reason. Andrea Franchetti, the pioneer of modern Etna viticulture who sadly died far too early in 2021, dared to do the unthinkable in the early 2000s: he planted international grape varieties at extreme altitudes on a remote lava slope in Passopisciaro with the aim of producing a wine that would not adapt but set new standards. Franchetti is made from Petit Verdot and Cesanese d'Affile in one of the highest and most radiant areas of the volcano. The lava rock, the light, the altitude – everything here seems more concentrated, more intense, magical, almost supernatural.

Deep dark in the glass, almost black-red in colour with a violet core. The aroma is overwhelming: ripe blackberry, black plum, violets, aniseed, liquorice and Mediterranean scrub, underpinned by balsamic notes, dark stone, roasted wood and an almost graphite-like tension. A vibrant, vertical structure on the palate – dense but never heavy, with a juicy core, tightly woven tannins and a cool, mineral energy that gives the wine an almost floating presence despite its fullness. The Franchetti is not a classic Etna Rosso – rather, it is a volcanic eruption in bottle form. It defies expectations, breaks through categories and remains unforgettable both as a wine and as its creator. In a nutshell, it is the visionary legacy of a great winemaker, captured in a red wine that is as bold as it is unique. An unrivalled masterpiece for connoisseurs. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, impenetrable ruby colour, deep dark. Shows rich notes of blueberry and mulberry on the nose, also some cassis, cloves and smoke in the background. Lots of dark fruit on the palate too, then opens up with fine tannins, builds for a long time, pithy and with firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Purple in the glass, this wine shows restrained black fruit with blueberries and gentle peppery notes. On the palate it is very flavoursome, with generous but fresh fruitiness, crisp tannins and refreshing acidity. Very crisp overall, with a medium body and a warming finish." James Suckling

"The Passopisciaro 2022 Franchetti displays a blackish colour and dense concentration with aromas of blackcurrant, spice and tobacco. The wine is juicy, fruity and has an alcohol content of 15 %, but it holds back gracefully so as not to appear over-extracted or heavy. It has velvety tannins." Wine Advocate

"The Franchetti 2022 is dark and brooding in the glass. Mentholated herbs and white smoke give way to dried blackberries, earthy tones and a hint of white pepper. Velvety and supple, it envelops the palate in a cloak of ripe red and black fruits, while a growing tension develops beneath the surface, blending salty minerals with fine tannins. Brilliant acidity provides fantastic balance as the 2022 finishes savoury and long. Its structure is classic and finishes with a hint of violet blossom. The Franchetti 2022 is a blend of 70% Petit Verdot and 30% Cesanese d'Affile." Vinous

"Made from Petit Verdot and Cesanese d'Affile grown in Contrada Guardiola, the Franchetti 2022 has such a complex aroma of damp earth, wild mint, rose, lavender, dark chocolate, dark cherry and strawberry jam. The palate is dense and energised, with fine tannins and juicy, fleshy red and blue berries just waiting to burst out in its vertical profile. A nice rolling wave of acidity that lingers on the finish with blackcurrant and spice." Decanter