Passopisciaro : Contrada "R" Rampante 2020

A Sicilian wine stemming from the slopes of Mount Etna and offering a seductive aromatic richness and refinement

The estate

The Passopisciaro estate was founded in 2000 by Andrea Franchetti. Following the purchase of a high-altitude farm, this Tuscan winemaker was eager to produce fine Sicilian wines from a vineyard composed exclusively of old vines, some of which had resisted phylloxera.

Located on the slopes of Mount Etna, on the Contrada Guardiola above the village of Passopisciaro, the estate watches over a vineyard of 26 hectares. Situated at an altitude of 1000 metres, this exceptional terroir comprises a mosaic of volcanic soils that are rather arid and not very suitable for vines.

Classified as PGI Terre Siciliane due to the altitude of the vineyards, the wines of Passopiciaro are unanimously recognised for their refinement and aromatic richness.

The vineyard

Contrada ''R'' Rampante 2020 by Passopisciaro is a Sicilian wine made from over 100-year-old vines, planted in the highest vineyard on the north side of the famous volcano, Mount Etna. The last vineyard to be harvested due to its altitude (1,000 metres), this exceptional terroir of 1.7 hectares lies on a thin layer of crumbled lava and sandy soil.

The vintage

The year 2020 was marked by unstable and rainy weather until the end of July when milder conditions set in. Rainfall in early August and September preceded a more favourable period in September and early October, allowing the grapes to ripen well until the harvest.

Vinification and ageing

The hand-picked grapes are vinified in steel vats. Aged for 18 months in large oak barrels.

The blend

Contrada ''R'' Rampante 2020 by Passopisciaro is a 100% Nerello Mascalese.