Passopisciaro

Passobianco ist ein eleganter Chardonnay mit schönem, klarem Bouquet aus Aromen von Pfirsichblüte, Mandarine, Ananas, hellen Beeren und mineralischen Noten. Üppiger, großzügiger Geschmack, voller Körper, sinnliche Textur, lang und mit Erinnerungen an Macadamia und Banane der Nachhall. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sattes, funkelndes Strohgelb. Eröffnet mit Noten nach Feuerstein, dann etwas Mirabelle und Pfirsich. Saftig und stahlig im Ansatz, zeigt zunächst betont salzige Noten, öffnet sich dann mit viel gelber Frucht, im Finale geschmeidig." Falstaff

"The 2016 Passobianco (a pure expression of Chardonnay) produces a lightweight but solid frame that reminds me on some metaphorical level of that special aluminum used to make racing bicycles. Indeed, this is a racy wine with steely aromas of citrus, white peach and Sicilian almond biscuit. It is put together with impeccable balance and precision. And of course, you get those vaguely scented volcanic notes on the silky finish. It is aged in a combination of large oak vats (for four months) and cement (for eight months). This is a terrific expression of Chardonnay from the deep south of Italy." Robert Parker

Passorosso ist ein sortenreiner Nerello Mascalese, der in seinem Rubinrot bereits feine granatrote Reflexe zeigt. Stolz und faszinierend präsentiert er einen intensiven Duft und einnehmenden Geschmack mit klarer, gut definierter Frucht und ausgeprägter Mineralik. Anmutig und besonders. SUPERIORE.DE

"Red berry, crushed rock, saline and sea breeze aromas align with a whiff of Mediterranean brush. The aromas carry over to the lithe silky palate along with strawberry, star anis and white pepper. It's elegant and balanced, with bright acidity and glossy tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"A mouthwatering red, this is round and inviting, with light tannins and flavors of wild raspberry, citrus peel and dried fig, showing touches of smoke and herb on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Bright red. Perfumed aromas of rose and violet are complicated by cinnamon. Fresh, juicy and precise, with a hint of chlorophyll and menthol. Vibrant and very long with a persistent herbal note on the very floral, perfumed finish." Ian d’Agata (vinous.com)

"Fresh and appealing red fruit nose. Juicy and fresh and seems a little lighter than 2014 but this fits the style perfectly. Fine tannic grip on the finish. Delicious, elegant." Jancis Robinson

Passorosso ist ein sortenreiner Nerello Mascalese, der in seinem Rubinrot bereits feine granatrote Reflexe zeigt. Stolz und faszinierend präsentiert er einen intensiven Duft und einnehmenden Geschmack mit klarer, gut definierter Frucht und ausgeprägter Mineralik. Anmutig und besonders. SUPERIORE.DE

"Hell-leuchtendes Rubinrot mit brillantem Kern. In der Nase nach reifen Himbeeren und feinen Kirschen, öffnet sich im Nachhall auf Kaffeepulver und schwarzen Oliven, einladend. Schmelzig und saftig am Gaumen, getragen von leichtem Salz, spannt einen schönen Bogen, druckvoll und klar im Finale." Falstaff

"The 2016 Etna Rosso Passorosso is the most accessible of the red wines presented by Andrea Franchetti and the team at Passopisciaro in the not-always-easy 2016 vintage. The wine is clean and forthcoming with a nice succession of wild berry and cassis, all framed by spice, tar and toasted aniseed. This wine makes itself immediately available for a pairing with roasted porchetta stuffed with fennel and herbs. The mouthfeel is crisp but compact on the close." Robert Parker

"Andrea Franchetti’s wines helped put Etna on the map. So charming and appealing already, it has delicate and pretty raspberry, cream and gentle spice. Burgundian delicacy and lacy style. I love the juicy, vibrant fruit." Decanter

Passopisciaros Contrada C ist ein exquisiter Roter mit dunklem sinnlichen Fruchtbouquet. Stilistisch wie ein großer Pinot Noir oder Nebbiolo, von bemerkenswerter Intensität am Gaumen bis in das andauernde Finale. Ein zugleich muskulöser und schwerelos wirkender Tropfen. SUPERIORE.DE

"With 4,000 bottles produced, the 2014 Contrada C (from the Contrada Chiappemacine) delivers loads of ripe and succulent fruit at the front. The bouquet presents cherry, blackberry and ripe plum. This red wine shows medium weight and a long persistence that is fueled both by the wine's acidity and its firm, delineated tannins. You'll recognize those volcanic tones of ash and yellow sulfur stone at the very tail end of the long finish." Robert Parker

"Good full red-ruby. Enticing aromas of pomegranate, red currant, strawberry and aromatic herbs. Bright and juicy on entry, then almost austere in its delivery of steely but very suave and fine-grained flavors of red berries, flinty minerals, mint and faded flowers. Offers plenty of inner-mouth perfume and a sense of impeccable elegance on the long, linear, very precise aftertaste. Mainly Nerello Mascalese." Ian d’Agata (vinous.com)

"An enviable combination of power and finesse, this wine boasts an enticing bouquet of new leather, ripe berry, exotic spice, graphite and a balsamic eucalyptus note. Full bodied but refined, the juicy, enveloping palate doles out raspberry jam, fleshy cherry, pipe tobacco and star anise framed in velvety, fine-grained tannins. A flinty note lifts the finish while the dense fruit masks the elevated alcohol content." Wine Enthusiast

"Partly white, chalky soils. Minerally, fine fruit nose with chalky notes. Compact palate with brisk acidity, but the fruit really fills it out. Lots of depth on the finish and with rich coating tannins framing the whole." Jancis Robinson

Passopisciaros Contrada C ist ein exquisiter Roter mit dunklem sinnlichen Fruchtbouquet. Stilistisch wie ein großer Pinot Noir oder Nebbiolo, von bemerkenswerter Intensität am Gaumen bis in das andauernde Finale. Ein zugleich muskulöser und schwerelos wirkender Tropfen. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mediterranean scrub, wild berry, dark spice, new leather, dried herb and a whiff of menthol take shape in the glass. The juicy, linear palate shows finesse and great fruit, doling out succulent red cherry, crushed raspberry, star anise and flinty mineral alongside silky tannins." Wine Enthusiast

"Bright red. Sweet spices and red cherry on the vivid nose. Then enters soft and round, but turns livelier, thanks to vibrant acidity that lifts the floral and red cherry flavors. Less explosive on the nose than Rampante and Sciaranuova, with a high, lemony acidity on the palate that speaks of this site’s calcareous soils. The C in the wine’s name stands for Chiappemacine (550 meters asl). The word chiappemacine itself derives from the large stone wheels used to crush olives when making olive oil." Ian d’Agata (vinous.com)

"Snappy tannins and bright acidity are well-meshed with flavors of wild cherry, raspberry, mineral and spice in this vivid, light- to medium-bodied red. Hints of smoke and licorice linger on the creamy finish." Wine Spectator

"Smoky intensity and hints of red fruit on the nose. Tight palate packed with finely chiselled tannins and embryonic red fruit. Elegant, yet way too young." Jancis Robinson

Rubingranatfarben, feine Veilchennote und viele Gewürze im Bouquet. Dicht und kompakt mit straffem Tannin und süßem Fruchtschmelz. Gibt man ihm Zeit steht dieser Wein am Beginn einer langen, verheißungsvollen Entwicklung. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright red. Menthol, sour red cherry, and redcurrant liqueur on the spicy, intensely perfumed almost aromatic nose. Then also spicy in the mouth, with a fleshy powerful mouthfeel (14% alcohol) and outstanding length. This strikes me as being especially well balanced this year. The S in the name of Contrada S stands for Sciaranuova; these Nerello Mascalese grapes grow at 850 meters above sea level." Ian d’Agata (vinous.com)

"Smoky, stony raspberry nose. Succulent red fruit with fine, powdery tannins. Closes up on the finish, but certainly an elegant wine." Jancis Robinson

"Medicinal herb and spice notes unwind through this grippy, medium-bodied red, which offers lively acidity and flavors of mulled cherry and mineral." Wine Spectator

"Delicate scents of Mediterranean brush, crushed herb, flint, and balsamic notes of menthol and eucalyptus slowly take shape in the glass. The structured palate shows impressive breeding and class, offering dried Marasca cherry, pomegranate, clove and star anise framed in fine-grained tannins. A mineral-driven finish closes it down." Wine Enthusiast

Contrada Rampante gedeiht auf dem höchst gelegenen Weinberg von Passopisciaro. Die Böden haben einen höheren Sandanteil und die Lese findet hier später statt. Im Bouquet dunkelrote Kirschen, Blumen, Minze und Lakritze. Rampante ist ein eleganter, energiegeladener und energischer Roter mit klarer Frucht und seidigstem Tannin. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright red. Very elegant, clean, precise aromas and flavors of red berries, botanical herbs and sweet spices. Finishes very mineral and refined with lots of lingering spicy red fruit. This is the most ready Contrada R." Ian d’Agata (vinous.com)

"All stones and raspberry on the nose and a fine note of spice. Really fine and juicy, light and fragrant. Long with fine, crunchy tannins. Already irresistible." Jancis Robinson

"Pretty rose petal, graphite and juicy cherry flavors are framed by light, dusty tannins and bright acidity in this charming, light- to medium-bodied red." Wine Spectator

"Restrained, subtle aromas of crushed rock, charred earth, Mediterranean scrub and eucalyptus take center stage. The smooth, elegant palate is ethereal and almost weightless, offering succulent strawberry, crushed raspberry, dark baking spice and a hint of anise alongside polished, silky tannins and fresh acidity." Wine Enthusiast

Rubingranatfarben, feine Veilchennote und viele Gewürze im Bouquet. Dicht und kompakt mit straffem Tannin und süßem Fruchtschmelz. Gibt man ihm Zeit, steht dieser Wein (Alter der Reben: 100 Jahre, Produktion: 4.000 Flaschen) am Beginn einer langen, verheißungsvollen Entwicklung. 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

Der Ätna zählt zu Italiens faszinierendsten Weinregionen und Andrea Franchetti ist wohl der fanatischste Produzent dieser Gegend. Hinzu kommen achtzig Jahre alte, einheimische Nerello Mascalese Reben. Die Einzellage Contrada Porcaria hat eine durch und durch männliche Persönlichkeit. Dunkel nach reifem Obst und Menthol duftend, am Gaumen vorrangig Gewürze und Mineralien mit vielen weiteren Facetten. Der Verlauf und das Finale reich, dicht und sehr überzeugend. 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

Passopisciaro 2012 ist ein sortenreiner Nerello Mascalese, der in seinem Rubinrot bereits feine granatrote Reflexe zeigt. Stolz und faszinierend präsentiert er einen intensiven Duft und einnehmenden Geschmack mit klarer, gut definierter Frucht und ausgeprägte Mineralik. Anmutig und besonders. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mittelhelles Rot; einladende Frucht, rote Beeren, Tiefe, sehr schön; saftig, Fruchttiefe, feinherb, lang, eleganter, sehr schöner Nerello Mascalese." Merum (JLF)

"Aromas of red berry, brimstone, white pepper, Mediterranean herb and a whiff of leather come together in the glass. The creamy palate offers wild strawberry, juicy cherry, cinnamon and savory herb alongside bright acidity and firm, polished tannins. It's vibrant, with compelling tension." Wine Enthusiast

"An IGT Terre Siciliane wine, the 2012 Passopisciaro is 100% Nerello Mascalese aged in botte grande for 18 months. The wine opens to a light garnet hue that is characteristic of the grape and the hot vintage. This Etna grape can easily bleach out its color. The wine's bouquet reveals volcanic tones of brimstone and ash with pretty contours of wild berry, cassis and blue flower. There's a pretty sense of lift and buoyancy in the mouth thanks to the pure energy and intensity of its fruit. Despite the wine's light color, this is a firecracker red in terms of its appeal to the nose and palate." Robert Parker

"Very pale crimson. Heady nose of macerated griotte cherries. A hint of orange peel. A warm, pretty alcoholic undertow. Then lots of refreshing acidity and the grainy textural finish of a fine Etna wine. Bone dry and very refreshing though not to be attempted without food. This suggests it could be enjoyed with firm fish. Bring on the Catania market fish restaurant, please! Uncompromisingly true to its origins. Not for neophytes. Quite open on the nose." Jancis Robinson

Passorosso 2014 ist ein sortenreiner Nerello Mascalese, der in seinem Rubinrot bereits feine granatrote Reflexe zeigt. Stolz und faszinierend präsentiert er einen intensiven Duft und einnehmenden Geschmack mit klarer, gut definierter Frucht und ausgeprägte Mineralik. Anmutig und besonders. SUPERIORE.DE

"Mouthwatering and medium-bodied, with expressive plum, pomegranate, spice box and dried marjoram flavors. There's grip here, but the tannins are plush and well-knit. A subtle streak of smoke lingers on the finish." Wine Spectator

"Explosive on the nose, showing power and forthright cherry and red-fruit aromas. Broad and fleshy for Etna, this is concentrated and tannic, chewy and forceful. An imposing style that has grandeur rather than finesse. Long." Decanter

"The 2014 Etna Rosso Passorosso (100% Nerello Mascalese) stands out for the brightness and gorgeous intensity of its ruby color and healthy appearance. The wine is integrated but also mellow from an aromatic point of view with subdued tones of wild cherry and dried currant. With time in the glass, that intensity grows at a quick pace. Ultimately, this wine provides a very integrated and balanced taste of the mighty Sicilian volcano. For the first time, this wine has moved from the Terre Siciliane IGT appellation to become an Etna Rosso DOC." Robert Parker

"Bright red-ruby. The captivating nose combines strawberry, raspberry, minerals, violet and flint aromas. Creamy-sweet but amazingly light on its feet, offering palate-staining, perfumed flavors of soft red berries, ripe red cherry, vanilla, aromatic herbs and crushed rock. Rich, ripe and suave, but displays a penetrating, saline and energetic quality that gives this beauty a three-dimensional mouthfeel and a light-on-its-feet quality. Finishes with great length and wonderfully polished tannins. Absolute knockout wine: from a memorable vintage on Etna, this is most likely the best Passorosso ever (in earlier vintages, it used to be called simply Passopisciaro)." Ian d’Agata (vinous.com)