2018 · Contrada G

Founded by Andrea Franchetti in 2000, Passopisciaro is a family-owned estate on the northern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, now directed by his son Benjamin Franchetti. Its steep, high-altitude terraces contain old Nerello Mascalese vines rooted in mineral-rich soils formed by different lava flows. The estate focuses on Etna’s contrade, bottling individual vineyard sites such as Rampante, Sciaranuova, Guardiola, Porcaria and Chiappemacine to express their distinct altitude, aspect and volcanic character. Winemaking is described as minimal intervention, with fermentation in steel and extended aging in large, neutral oak barrels. Alongside six single-contrada Nerello Mascalese wines, Passopisciaro produces Chardonnay, Petit Verdot and Cesanese d’Affile. Separate contrada bottling began in 2008.