Passopisciaro Passorosso is a holistic expression of different altitudes and terroirs on the volcano Mt Etna. Bright ruby red colour. The nose emanates enticing wild red fruits, violets, leather and a delightful minerality. The elegant palate has a freshness and crisp texture that is balanced by smooth tannins. Chewy red currant and cherry flavours with hints of pepper spice and a pleasantly long mineral finish.

100% Nerello Mascalese. The fruit comes from 80 to 110-years-old bush-trained vines with different altitudes (550–1,000 metres) and terroirs on the northern slope of the volcano Mt. Etna. The grapes are taken from various contrade (crus) of Malpasso, Guardiola, Santo Spirito, Favazza and Arcuria; generally, the higher crus are on a more gravelly soil, the lower ones in a deeper powder made with more oxidized, older lavas.

The high altitude and sun-drenched vineyards are idyllic, but a constant plume of smoke and frequent lava spills present a constant reminder that Etna is an active volcano with attitude. These lava spills devastate the landscape, yet each flow leaves a unique mineral profile, giving rise to the notion of various terroirs called contrade. Significant temperature differences between day and night also play an important role, necessitating a longer growing period and contributing complexity, as do the profound mineral elements of the volcanic soils.

The wine ages in large, neutral oak barrels and are unfiltered.

Ageing potential: Improves over 8 years then begins to age slowly, gaining hints of a sweet smokiness.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

- 91 POINTS

 Red berry, baking spice and a balsamic whiff of camphor lead the nose. On the racy, linear palate, firm acidity and polished tannins accompany sour cherry, orange zest, mineral and aniseed. Taut refined tannins balance the vibrant energy. Drink through 2026.

- 16.5/20

Just mid ruby with the beginning of orange tinges. Lifted fragrant red-fruit nose with a hint of beef stock. Juicy red fruit that is a little racy and with fine chewy tannins. Lots of anima, light and appetising. Drink 2021-2023.

- 90 POINTS

This is the only Etna denomination wine in the Franchetti portfolio, and it is made with a selection of fruit from various vineyard sites on lava flows of different epochs. The 2018 Etna Rosso Passorosso opens to a lean garnet color with faded color intensity. Like the other wines from this vintage that saw problematic rain on some parts of Etna, this wine is thinner and tighter than some of the more generous vintages of the past. There are tart cherry flavors followed by ashy smoke and tar. Some 35,000 bottles were made. Drink 2021-2026.

- 90 POINTS

 The 2018 Passorosso transports you to the ashen slopes of Etna with a display of crushed rocks, black raspberry, wild brush herbs and hints of smoke. It’s soft and understated, impressing more with its purity of fruit and lifting acidity, as a subtle layer of fine tannin collects upon the senses. This concludes structured with rosy inner florals and hints of strawberry. It may not be the most vibrant or flashy vintage of Passorosso, but it is remarkably pretty.

  - 89 POINTS