Passopisciaro Contrada G Terre Siciliane IGT 2021
Passopisciaro
Andrea Franchetti's Passopisciaro project maps Etna's north face contrada by contrada, and Guardiola (G) consistently delivers some of the estate's most expressive wines. The Nerello Mascalese grown in these volcanic soils produces a wine that can feel almost Burgundian in its transparency—but the mineral intensity is purely Sicilian.
Nose
Wild strawberry and crushed red cherry lift off the glass, joined by a distinctive volcanic mineral note—almost like wet stone. Subtle violet and dried herb aromas weave through, with a faint smoky character from the volcanic soil.
Palate
Medium-bodied with electric acidity and fine, sandy tannins. The red fruit continues, layered with blood orange and a savory, earthy undertone. There's a tension between the fruit and the mineral backbone that keeps every sip engaging.
Finish
Long and vibrant, with cherry and mineral persistence. A hint of rose petal lingers at the very end.
- Varietal
- Nerello Mascalese
- Blend
- 100% Nerello Mascalese
- Vineyards
- Contrada Guardiola, north slope of Mount Etna, 600–700 meters elevation, volcanic sand and ash soils
- Alcohol
- 14%
- Organic / Biodynamic
- No
Food Pairing
Grilled swordfish with capers, olives, and cherry tomatoes
The late Andrea Franchetti planted his Passopisciaro estate on Etna's volcanic north slope in 2000, convinced that the mountain's ancient terraced vineyards could produce wines to rival the great crus of Burgundy.
Be the first to comment.
Leave a comment
Domaine de la Mordorée Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge La Dame Voyageuse 2021
Domaine de la Mordorée
La Dame Voyageuse is Mordorée's accessible entry into Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and it overdelivers. The Grenache-dominant blend captures the warmth and generosity of the southern Rhône while retaining enough structure and freshness to age gracefully for five to eight years. A wine that rewards both immediate pleasure and cellar patience.
Cascina degli Ulivi Nibiô Terre Bianche Monferrato Rosso DOC 2020
Cascina degli Ulivi
An honest, unvarnished expression of Dolcetto Nibiô that trades polish for soul — a wine that celebrates its quirks rather than hiding them.
Tenuta delle Terre Nere Etna Rosso San Lorenzo 2021
Tenuta delle Terre Nere
Marc de Grazia's Terre Nere estate produces some of Etna's most expressive contrada wines, and San Lorenzo is a standout: old Nerello Mascalese vines rooted in ancient lava flows deliver a wine of rare transparency. This is not fruit-driven in the obvious sense — it is terroir speaking through fruit. Think Burgundy by way of a volcano.
Domaine de la Côte Pinot Noir Sola Tierra 2021
Domaine de la Côte
Rajat Parr and Sashi Moorman's Sola Tierra block sits on diatomaceous earth soils that produce some of the most transparent Pinot Noir in California. This is a wine of direction rather than power — it knows exactly where it's going and arrives with grace. If you're still looking for California Pinot that can stand alongside Burgundy Premier Cru, start here.