Wines from Sicily

The annual production of this boutique winery on Etna is just 9,000 bottles. At an altitude of 950 metres above sea level, the one and a half hectares of vines are divided into eight tiny plots and have been gradually bought up by the well-known Oenologist. The area is planted with Nerello Mascalese bush vines, which have been spared the phylloxera phylloxera and make their way through the lava-covered terraces.

The single vines, which are on average 80 to 100 years old, are cultivated in the traditional, low-bush Alberello style, to which the wine owes its name. Alberelli di Giodo is extremely elegant and flavoursome and represents the minerality and finesse typical of its volcanic growing region to a remarkable degree. SUPERIORE.DE

"The grapes for the red wine grow outside the DOC at over 950 metres above sea level and are planted with 80 to 100-year-old Nerello Mascalese bush vines. Wonderful, Burgundian-like nose with red berries, the finest cherries as well as subtle florality and smoky spice. On the palate, it has an elegant structure with a mineral and earthy centre, supported by fine acidity and fine, juicy, ripe tannins." Weinwisser

"Medium, bright ruby red colour with a slightly brightening rim. Lots of herbs and some fruit on the nose, thyme, dried oregano and some lemon balm, juicy raspberries and redcurrants. Very animating on the palate, straightforward and with a fine fruit core, appealing length and fine-grained tannins." Falstaff

"Aromas of plum, iron and pumice with some flowers. It is medium-bodied with powdery, fine tannins. It is complex and elegant, yet very structured. Very long and concentrated. Wild finish with an undertone of lava. Directly above the Contrada di Rapante. Drinkable, but better in two or three years." James Suckling

The noble version of Nero d'Avola in an impenetrably dense ruby red colour. The aroma is enveloping with sweet and ripe, yet not "cooked" fruity notes, balsamic and floral nuances of violets, which final with hints of tobacco in the final. The flavour has a great structure and pronounced individuality. The balance of the soft tannins, which are perfectly integrated into the alcoholic component, and the long finish are also convincing. Radiant and powerful. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dense, dark ruby red with violet reflections. Ripe and dense nose of dark cherries, blueberries and dried plums, spicy paired with liquorice, black pepper and some cocoa. On the palate with a great fruit core, great freshness and juiciness as well as well-integrated tannins and a long final." Falstaff

"Polished and refined nose with notes of black cherries and vanilla, beautiful tannic structure with a long and evolving finish." Decanter

"A round and balanced red wine with fine, polished tannins that are surrounded by notes of black cherries, plum jam, herbal olives and paprika. Long and fresh, with a hint of loamy earth and mocha on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Mille e Una Notte opens with a basket of berries and spices complemented by cedar shavings and minty herbs. It is silky yet sincere, with tart wild berries and liquorice underscored by salty minerals, while a balsamic resonance builds towards the finish. The 2020 finishes structured and long. Fine tannins saturate the senses, while savoury herbs and a hint of tart blackberry finish." Vinous

Deep, bright ruby red in colour. This 100% Nero d'Avola is a captivating wine with its full-bodied, fruity and spicy aroma of blackcurrants, cherries, undergrowth, liquorice and dark chocolate. The soft but firm, multi-layered and warm flavour of ripe berries, the fine spice and the fine tannins are very appealing. SUPERIORE.DE

"It is a well-made Nero d'Avola with a purity and freshness in its ripe character of red and black berries and cherries. Intense and savoury, with tangy acidity, it shows juicy cherries and black fruits along with notes of chocolate and balsamic and mouth-coating tannins. Full and rich in fruit, but quite vertical in style, it is a lively and storable example of what can be achieved with this typical Sicilian grape." Decanter

"The 2020 Santa Cecilia, a single varietal Nero d'Avola, rises from the glass with a dark and brooding blend of crushed plums, cloves, stone dust and a hint of camphor. It's round and supple with juicy acidity that retains a lovely energy, and bright red and blue fruits cascade across the palate. The 2020 finishes with a bitter touch of savoury spice and a hint of sour citrus, while a layer of fine tannins lingers. The 2020 is a very beautiful and balanced wine for medium-term cellaring." Vinous

"Bright and fragrant, with a lush creaminess that carries flavours of strawberry jam, dried cherries, tar, tea roses and singed orange peel. Well-spiced and minerally, with slightly chalky tannins that provide fine definition." Wine Spectator

"The Santa Cecilia 2020 is one of Sicily's iconic wines, a Nero d'Avola clothed in elegance and precision. The wine is softly structured and multi-layered with dark fruits, black cherries, spices and sweet tobacco. The Santa Cecilia takes a classic approach with a balance between generous fruit and carefully managed oak." Wine Advocate

"Aromas of blackberries, flowers and dark earth with a hint of fresh black mushrooms. Medium to full body with round and creamy tannins and a delicious undertone. Just a hint of vanilla bean underneath the fruit." James Suckling

"The nose starts bubbly and sweet, with aromas of black plums, cherry and vanilla, then turns savory but still crackly, with notes of pencil shavings, pepper, graphite and leather. The palate doubles back toward juicy fruit with figs and more plums, then shifts again toward that sanguine earthiness, but textured tannins and almost silky acid unify the whole." Wine Enthusiast

Graci's fourth vintage Sopra il Pozzo is a "selection from the selection" and comes from the Arcurìa vineyard. It is the red archetype of an Etna Rosso, a Nerello cru with the clear DNA of the volcanic-stony terroir. Light ruby with orange reflections, candied fruit on the nose, cooling firewood, some aniseed and herbs. The palate is silky without being smooth, its subtle wood and delicate acid wire harmonise perfectly with the flanking tannin until the unforgettable, mineral-salty finish. Only 2,300 bottles were bottled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant berry flavours, also fine spicy notes, hot stone, chocolate; polished structure, balanced and perfectly rounded, the tannins fine-grained and well-integrated, supported by the firm acidity." Vinum

"A fresh and flavoursome Etna red wine with fine, firm tannins and crisp acidity. Bright redcurrants, mushrooms and lemon zest. Medium body. Crisp finish." James Suckling

"A graceful red, seamlessly knit and fresh, with aromas and flavors of dried strawberry and cherry, forest floor, dried thyme and mocha. This is fine and creamy, expanding on the palate while still showing supple definition from the taut, well-knit tannins. Long and minerally on the finish." Wine Spectator

"This 2018 shows an elegant cherry and petrol aroma with a medicinal touch. Intense, very tangy and fresh flavours of bitter cherry stones and subliminally sweet strawberries mingle on the fine, juicy and well-balanced palate, leading to a long, salty finish." Decanter

"The Graci 2018 Etna Rosso Arcurìa Sopra il Pozzo is a wine that develops in the glass. It unfolds with a sweet side that contrasts with a savoury or volcanic side. Sopra il Pozzo is a special site within the Contrada Arcurìa at an altitude of 650 metres. The tannins are well integrated and the bouquet is ethereal or almost fragile. This is a feature of this cooler vintage, and it may turn out to have a much longer drinking window than expected." Wine Advocate

"A beguiling blend of plum sauce, rum-soaked cherries, mint and balsamic spice makes the noble 2018 Etna Rosso Arcuria Sopra il Pozzo unmissable. It is a paragon of purity, elevated and refined, with textures of pure silk and pretty red berry fruit dazzling over a core of vibrant acidity. Salty minerals slowly saturate and emerge on the final, along with sweet tannins and a hint of violet pastille that linger on and on. The 2018 Sopra il Pozzo is simply stunning and should not be missed. It is easily one of the top wines of the vintage." Vinous

Gracis Sopra il Pozzo is a "selection from the selection" and comes from the Arcurìa vineyard. It is a Nerello cru with the clear DNA of the volcanic-stony terroir. Light ruby in colour with orange reflections, it has a nose of candied fruit, cooling firewood, some aniseed and herbs. The palate is silky without being smooth, its subtle wood and delicate acid wire harmonise perfectly with the flanking tannin until the unforgettable, mineral-salty finish. Only 2,300 bottles were bottled. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lots of redcurrants, ripe plums and dried, spicy herbs such as rosemary and thyme, with a smoky note. Medium body with soft but incisive tannins. A hint of sweet leather and mushrooms in the aftertaste." James Suckling

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Arcuria Sopra il Pozzo is impossible to ignore, with a mélange of exotic spices, blood orange, incense and dried black cherries forming its bouquet. It's surprisingly juicy and energetic, with vibrant acidity and tactile mineral tones up front that further enhance its tart wild berry fruits. It tapers off classically dry and structured, leaving a pleasantly bitter tinge and fine-grained tannins that penetrate deeply. An air of violet inner florals and lavender lingers on the close. This is beautifully balanced and complex. The 1.5-hectare Sopra il Pozzo parcel contains soils that are a variation of volcanic sand and stone." Vinous

Etna Rosso Prephylloxera Vigna di Don pepis a breathtakingly elegant, small-production Etna Rosso. Iridescent, pure dark red colour and an infinitely broad fruity aroma. Impeccable balance and structure on the palate. The tannins are present and yet wonderfully elegant and balanced. An explosive wine made from 100 per cent Nerello Mascalese - and from ancient vines in Calderara and Santo Spirito. SUPERIORE.DE

"Woodsy spice, tar-tinged smoke and medicinal herb notes are an aromatic entry point for this firm, savory red, joining focused flavors of dehydrated black raspberry and macerated mulberry fruit, rose hip and singed orange peel. The dense tannins bring a textured, raw silk-like feel, with a chewy impression on the fragrant finish. Decant and then sip slowly as this reveals its layered facets." Wine Spectator

"The Etna Rosso Prephylloxera La Vigna di Don pepCalderara Sottana 2022 is seductive and youthfully backward. It exudes a blend of sweet spices, dusty violets and ash that fades into dried black cherries, sage and cloves. This wine is velvety yet refined, with a polished wave of ripe red and blue fruit flowing over a juicy stream of acidity. A hint of sour citrus contrasts towards the end. The finish is remarkably fresh and energetic, still tannic but lively as crisp tannins linger and a hint of lavender slowly fades. This is an elegant and truly harmonious edition of this cuvée. Simply stunning." Vinous

"A fascinating wine with flavours of flower stems, orange peel and bark as well as some dried mushrooms. The structure and length are exceptional with a medium to full body and firm, concentrated tannins. The finish is persistent, polished and refined. It is flattering in every way. Better in five years, but if you have the opportunity to drink it now, go for it!" James Suckling

Planeta's famous Chardonnay exudes a large and rich bouquet with aromas of apricot, apple, lemon, honey and lime. On the palate, the same intense flavours, delicate melting paired with fruity freshness and beautiful length. A Sicilian white wine at the highest level since its debut vintage in 1995, it definitely needs a few years to mature in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

Passorosso is a single-varietal Nerello Mascalese that shows fine garnet-red reflections in its bright ruby red. Proud and fascinating, it presents an intense bouquet of red berries, coffee and olives. Its engaging taste convinces with clear, well-defined fruit and pronounced minerality. Graceful and special. SUPERIORE.DE

"A juicy aroma of black cherry and plum, mint and a little graphite accompany the fruit. It also shows juice and power on the palate, dark cherries are structured by a grippy tannin. The acidity gives the wine a lot of freshness. The grapes for the wine come from 80 to 120 year old vines." Vinum

"The Etna Rosso Passorosso 2020 has a bright and powerful bouquet with blackcurrants, rosemary sprigs, white pepper, cola and ferrous earth or rusty nails. The bouquet has a sanguine, almost metallic note. As it progresses, the wine shows medium texture, firm tannins and good length." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Passorosso is spicy and shows dried flowers, hints of cardamom and white pepper before the dusty cherry fruit comes to the fore. Soft and enveloping, it impresses with a pure blend of red fruits and inner rose tones accompanied by cooling acidity. It finishes lightly structured with a bitter aftertaste of concentrated sour cherries. While the Passorosso is typically a more forward expression, the 2020 could do with another year in the cellar before showing its best. Nevertheless, it is a very nice wine with a lot of potential." Vinous

The Carricante grapes for this extremely rare Etna Bianco come from phylloxera-resistant (pre-phylloxera) vines from a single vineyard on the eastern slope of Etna at an altitude of 800 metres. Only a single oak barrel is filled each year, resulting in less than 2,000 bottles per vintage.

Rich golden yellow with amber-coloured accents. Complex and well-structured aroma of herbs, yellow fruit and flint. Indescribable depth on the palate with a salty note, fresh fruit and mineral persistence. The final is firm and precise, the tension is perfectly balanced and the long-lasting impression is unique! SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep straw yellow with copper-coloured reflections. Serious, concentrated but restrained bouquet with hints of exotic spices, dried apricots and cedar wood as well as a faint hint of brioche. Initially straightforward and dense, it then opens up on the palate. Viscous lemon and grapefruit with a very subtle tannin structure. The finish is characterised by citrus fruits that provide a thrill. Complex, long and needs further bottle ageing." Jancis Robinson

"Ripe, slightly honeyed dried citrus, grilled pineapple and spice on the nose, following though to a medium palate with a tight bead of dry spice and fruit. Compact, slightly challenging finish for now." James Suckling

"Made from grapes from 100 to 120 year old vines, this deep golden wine has enticing aromas of lychee, Spanish broom and wet stone. Round and enveloping, the elegant palate also shows depth and concentrated flavours of creamy pear, ripe yellow peach and tangy salinity alongside bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Here is a wine that will keep Carricante lovers on their toes. The Pietradolce 2018 Sant'Andrea opens with a saturated golden colour and offers completely unexpected aromas of candied almonds, apricots, honey, saffron, pastry cream and so on. The complexity of the wine reveals additional layers of roasted herbs and crushed stone. Prolonged maceration on the skins is the particular style of vinification that gives Sant'Andrea its unique identity. There is a hint of dusty tannin on the finish. This wine is bottled in an edition of 1,800 bottles." Wine Advocate

"The frosted brass sheen of this profound white wine, along with tantalising aromas of sun-warmed peach skin, saffron and oyster shells, draw you into the glass where a rich palette of flavours awaits. Notes of dried apricots, white cherries, orange pits, almond shells, cloves and honeycomb are underpinned by a fine, chalky texture and pronounced acidity with a hint of Mediterranean scrub." Wine Spectator

"It's very floral and fragrant, with a structured, waxy palate that has addictive notes of grapefruit, apricot skin, baked apple, exotic spices and even a grappa/grape skin component. It's really fresh, yet rich and complex and will be rewarding for cellaring." Decanter

Giuseppe Russo cultivates part of the 12-hectare San Lorenzo vineyard at an altitude of around 750 metres on the slopes of Mount Etna near Randazzo. The lava flows of recent decades have created a porous soil here, rich in volcanic rock and therefore providing excellent drainage. SUPERIORE.DE

"Piano delle Colombe is a 100% Nerello Mascalese from vines over 80 years old that grow on a small plot in San Lorenzo. Fermented in small open vats and matured for 18 months in a Liters oak barrel and a used barrique, it is balsamic and earthy with some ripe red and black berry aromas. Juicy, intense and savoury, its subtle, grippy tannins envelop tangy blackberries, pomegranate and a fresh herbal finish." Decanter

"The 2020 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo Piano delle Colombe is a showstopper, spicy and exotic with a kaleidoscopic bouquet of cloves, allspice, dried blood orange, cinnamon and crushed wild blueberries. It's succulently ripe in style with juicy acidity to balance. A wave of violet-tinged wild berry fruits washes across the palate with ease, leaving a tactile mineral tinge in their wake. Hints of sour cherry combine with candied citrus and spice as the 2020 finishes long and staining yet remarkably fresh. A subtle coating of fine tannins provides support but doesn’t impose. This is a showboat vintage for the Piano delle Colombe, a parcel of San Lorenzo with soils that originate from a volcanic explosion rather than lava flow. It's an exquisite and harmonious wine that is sure to win a lot of hearts." Vinous

"This wine shows lots of crisp and fresh red fruit mixed with dried Mediterranean herbs, orange peel and hibiscus. Also some smoky, dusty earth tones. Medium body. Very consistent and persistent on the palate with crisp acidity and a chalky, mineral backbone. Consistent and long finish." James Suckling

"The Girolamo Russo 2020 Etna Rosso San Lorenzo Piano delle Colombe is more approachable compared to the 2019 vintage. It is a beautiful wine with fine fibre and delicate fruity notes of wild berries, gravel and white pepper. The 2020 vintage shows the supreme elegance of Etna." Wine Advocate

Franchetti Rosso is Passopisciaro's flagship wine and a stunningly perfect wine. The grapes come from 1000-metre-high northern Etna vineyard sites, where the soils are ash and pumice. Franchetti is a ripe, exotic wine that envelops the palate with dark fruit. Refined tannins support the fruit, while an intense inner sweetness adds elegance and finesse. A thoroughly outstanding drop. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Franchetti is 97% Petit Verdot with 3% Cesanese d'Affile (an indigenous grape variety that grows mainly in Lazio or central Italy) blended in. I love the elegance, dark concentration and aromatic intensity of this very unusual and bold wine (I mean, who plants Cesanese on Mount Etna?). It's extracted and deep, with black fruits and etched end notes of pencil traces and crushed white pepper." Wine Advocate

"A red with lots of energy and a linear focus with black cherry, mint, white pepper, sandalwood and cedar aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied. Fine and intense tannins. Vivid and fresh. A blend of petit verdot and cesanese. Drink or hold." James Suckling

"Expressive, of cherry syrup, ripe blackberries, graphite, a hint of grape juice, elegant spice in the finish. With great substance and concentration, without being full-bodied, clear and precise fruit, stretches wide, savoury, tightly meshed, long." Falstaff

"The 2019 Franchetti is like a dark stallion, muscular and supple. It opens slowly in the glass, inward yet virulent, with dusty dried flowers giving way to nuances of plums, brown spices, cardamom, savoury herbs and a hint of cocoa. The texture is like crushed velvet, striking, almost heavy, but with a balance of vibrant acidity and tart fruit contrasting. The 2019 leaves a subtle tinge of harmonious tannins, along with dark inner flowers and hints of blackcurrant that linger incredibly long. The vines for the Franchetti were planted in 2000 in the Cru Guardiola." Vinous

Franchetti Rosso is Passopisciaro's flagship wine and a stunningly perfect wine. The grapes come from 1000-metre-high northern Etna vineyard sites, where the soils are ash and pumice. Franchetti is a ripe, exotic wine that envelops the palate with dark fruit. Refined tannins support the fruit, while an intense inner sweetness adds elegance and finesse. A thoroughly outstanding drop. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Franchetti is a unique wine that perfectly interprets the high volcanic soils. Power, structure and then such a straightforward concentration of aromas: deep scent of black cherries, plums, orange zest and mint. Then comes a distinct minerality. Dark chocolate and blueberry show on the palate, spiced with fresh tarragon. A great wine to know from Etna." Vinum

"The Vini Franchetti 2020 Franchetti is very spicy and savory with inky black fruit aromas. You feel the 15.5% alcohol content over the wine's thick, full-bodied texture." Wine Advocate

"Dark ruby red with a delicately lightening rim. In the nose of ripe heart cherries, paired with cold smoke, mulberries as well as freshly roasted coffee and a hint of Ras-el-Hanout. Extremely polished and compact on the palate, opens to juicy tannin, punchy and with plenty of finesse, keeps coming back, dense, long and balanced." Falstaff

"The 2020 Franchetti is beautiful, jumping out of the glass, spicy and intense, showing off its Cesanese aromas with a mix of blackberries, lavender, sage, white pepper and smoke that make it impossible to ignore. This wine is very structured, almost creamy yet tangy, with medium body and a salty core of minerality that balances the masses of ripe dark fruit and sweet herbal notes. The length is amazing, as is the harmony within. It finishes structured yet supple, with violet flowers and nuances of plum jam that linger. This wine is already very appealing, elegance personified, but the best is surely yet to come." Vinous

Davide Rosso's Etna Bianco from Contrada Montedolce is an energetic, fresh white that impressively emphasises its volcanic character with its mineral salinity. The bouquet begins elegantly with Sicilian flavours of orange blossom and sweet almonds, then opens up with fresh lemon, crushed apples and a hint of wet stone. Its medium concentration and crisp freshness will serve it well as it continues to develop in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Wildly fresh and focused, the 2023 Etna Bianco wafts up with a lovely blend of peach sorbet, mint leaf and white smoke. This is both juicy and refined, with crisp orchard fruits and hints of candied citrus that enliven the palate. Crisp minerality combines with lime and nectarine; finishes long and leaves the mouth watering." Vinous

The Carricante grapes for this extremely rare Etna Bianco come from over 100-year-old, phylloxera-resistant vines from a single vineyard on the eastern slope of Etna at an altitude of 800 metres. Only a single oak barrel is filled each year, resulting in less than 2,000 bottles per vintage.

Rich golden yellow with amber-coloured accents. Complex and well-structured aroma of herbs, yellow fruit and flint. Indescribable depth on the palate with a salty note, fresh fruit and mineral persistence. The final is firm and precise, the tension is perfectly balanced and the long-lasting impression is unique! SUPERIORE.DE

"The spicy, umami nose of old pecorino and wild herbs is in exciting tension with the sweetness of honey and the acidity of lemons. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and refreshing, tannic and nutty, but also persistently citrusy, while this umami note is joined by a subtle earthiness that introduces a finish with bitter almond skin." Wine Enthusiast

"Medium golden colour. Hints of lemon curd and toast on minerals and pineapple. Nicely phenolic and structured on the palate with bright acidity and some firm tannins. Full-bodied, long and very energetic." James Suckling

The pure, autochthonous Nerello Mascalese from over 100-year-old (ungrafted) vines in Contrada Rampante on the northern slopes of Mount Etna at an altitude of 950 metres starts with a sparkling ruby-garnet colour and impressively adds a captivating raspberry aroma, followed by fine spicy notes (ginger, allspice, clove). Compact, dense, fully fruity, tannic on the palate, yet always extremely relaxed, elegant and supple. Traces of salt and flint on the finish. Just over 2,000 bottles of this masterpiece are produced every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with dark reflections. The nose has elegant hints of rich cherries, dried tomatoes and herbs, with an aftertaste of raspberries and wet stone. Radiant and profound on the palate, showing plenty of juice and salt, carried by tightly woven tannins, even showing floral hints, firm pressure on the finish." Falstaff

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Barbagalli exudes a captivating blend of autumnal spices, dried cherries, balsamic herbs and ashy stone. It is silky and enveloping yet cool, with shades of lavender and sage paving the way to mineral red and black fruits. Lively acidity maintains balance while grippy tannins settle in and a tart blackberry saturation lingers." Vinous

"There's a quiet sense of poise to this elegant red. Shows effortless integration, layering a sculpted frame of fine-grained tannins with flavors of dried raspberry and cranberry fruit, minerally iron and tar. Floral, herb and spice notes expand slowly on the palate, gaining momentum through the fresh and fluid finish." Wine Spectator

"The nose starts with a hint of vanilla, then quickly dives into deeper, richer flavours of earth, tar and graphite, as well as the vibrant sweetness of cherries and raspberries. On the palate, the fruit element becomes more astringent, while lingering currents of dirt and metal coalesce to create a refined bitterness that hints at ageability. The tannins are firm enough to hold their own against the sharp, bracing acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"Ashy, sulphurous fruit tone with earthy, savoury berries, dried blood oranges, dried meat, nori, white pepper and tar. Really intense, ripe and concentrated flavour with a broad, full body. Paradoxically, there is very little weight. The tannins are abundant, fibrous and mealy. Again, there is great depth and complexity." James Suckling

"Balanced, fragrant and mineral: the Barbagalli 2019 is an enchanting wine. Dark cherries, blackberries, chocolate and pepper, framed by some balsamic herbs. In the mouth, the structured tannins and dark fruits are infused with violets, and the bright acidity crystallises its vibrancy. Outstanding." Decanter

A wonderfully concentrated and elegant wine that is already drinking excellently. On the nose, the typical varietal bouquet with light balsamic notes. Pleasantly straight and fine on the palate, silky and full of harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, elegant ruby red. In the nose precise of elderberries and cassis, noble note of green pepper and a hint of ivy, in the reverberation of cranberry jam and noble spice, multilayered. Balanced on the palate, with great play between fruit, spice and tannin, also very juicy, on anise in the finish, long and complex, very well done." Falstaff

"The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Vigna San Francesco is dusty and floral in character, with peppery herbs and wildflowers giving way to masses of crushed raspberry. This is silky and refined, communicating pure elegance from the start, with a wave of ripe red and black berries that wash across the palate, leaving fine-grained tannins to linger under an air of sweet violet and rose tones. It tapers off much fresher than anticipated, and also only lightly structured, as nuances of blueberry skin linger, along with a hint of balsam herbs." Vinous

Franchetti Rosso is Passopisciaro's flagship and a breathtakingly perfect wine. The grapes come from vineyards 1000 metres above sea level in the north of Etna, where the soils consist of ash and pumice. Franchetti is a ripe, exotic wine that envelops the palate with dark fruit flavours. Refined tannins support the fruit, while an intense inner sweetness lends elegance and finesse. A thoroughly outstanding wine with wonderful development potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich, impenetrable ruby colour, deep dark. Shows rich notes of blueberry and mulberry on the nose, also some cassis, cloves and smoke in the background. Lots of dark fruit on the palate too, then opens up with fine tannins, builds for a long time, pithy and with firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"Purplish in the glass, this wine displays restrained black fruit with blueberries and soft pepperiness. The palate is very savory, with generous but fresh fruitiness, chewy tannins and refreshing acidity. Very crunchy overall, with a medium body and a warming finish." James Suckling

"The 2022 Franchetti is dark and brooding in the glass as mentholated herbs and white smoke give way to dried blackberries, earth tones and a hint of white pepper. This is velvety and supple, enveloping the palate with a cloak of ripe red and black fruits as a growing tension develops beneath the surface, mixing salty minerals with fine tannins. Brilliant acidity maintains fantastic balance as the 2022 finishes spicy and long. There’s a classic feel to its structural components, closing with an air of violet inner florals. In 2022, the Franchetti is a blend of 70% Petit Verdot and 30% Cesanese d’Affile." Vinous

"From Petit Verdot and Cesanese d'Affile grown in contrada Guardiola, Franchetti 2022 has such a complex aroma, consisting of damp earth, wild mint, rose, lavender, dark chocolate, dark cherry and strawberry jam. In the mouth it's tightly coiled and full of energy, with fine tannins and succulent fleshy red and blue berries contained within its vertical profile, just waiting to burst free. There's a lovely rolling wave of acidity which persists on the blackcurrant and spice finish." Decanter

Tasca got involved in Etna early on and the latest result of these years of experience are four new single vineyard wines from the Tascante estate: Contrada Rampante, Pianodario, Sciaranuova and Sciaranuova Vigna Vecchia (V.V.). The wines are filigree and profound, and despite their power, acidity and taut tannin, very elegant, finesse-rich and light-footed on the palate. Each of the four plots brings a slightly different style and personality to the wine - due to the altitude, soil composition and morphology of the historic lava flows. A high annual rainfall ensures that the soil has all the water it needs, and the temperature fluctuations between day and night support the aromatic diversity of the grapes and ultimately the ripening potential.

The Sciaranuova parcel is situated at an average altitude of 730 metres above sea level between the villages of Montelaguardia and Passopisciaro. It covers an area of about 4.9 hectares of vineyards. The soils are of volcanic origin and up to 40,000 years old. Within the Sciaranuova parcel is a small cru site whose vines were planted in 1961. The bottles, produced in very small quantities, are labelled "Vigna Vecchia". Compared to its "younger brother", this rare wine shows increased complexity, depth and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby and already a touch developed. Elegant, beautiful even! Pure, sweet raspberry and cherry notes mingling with earth and minerals. Gorgeous fragrant raspberry and firm tannins that push the fruit on the finish. Still austere and in need of more bottle age." Jancis Robinson

"Moderately saturated ruby-red. Very pure aromas and flavors of blood orange, potpourri, red cherry nectar, minerals and sweet spices. Very light on its feet and extremely suave, with outstanding acid-sugar-tannin balance, this is actually less weighty on the palate than the regular Sciaranuova bottling. The finish is very long and pure." Vinous

"This wine is made from Tascante's oldest vines, planted in 1961. The 2016 Etna Rosso Contrada Sciaranuova V.V. (the initials stand for Vigna Vecchia or "old vines") is a beautifully polished and glossy expression with a fine and smooth aromatic presentation. It starts off with primary notes of forest berry and cassis and spans all the way over to campfire ash and camphor. That range is as beautiful as it is impressive. The mouthfeel is silky and soft with fine, powdery tannins. Put this delicate wine aside for a few more years. Some 5,000 bottles were produced." Wine Advocate

Deep crimson ruby red colour. On the nose, it smells of raspberries with beautiful concentration, a peppery tingle and perfectly integrated oak. Lively, crushed red berry fruit on the palate with long, finely chiselled tannins. It closes up a little on the finish, so you can expect much more, but for now it is already irresistible. Balanced and very elegant. SUPERIORE.DE

"This iconic Sicilian wine is made from Nero d'Avola (58%) and Perricone (42%) and comes from the eight-hectare San Lucio vineyard. The Tenuta Regaleali Tasca d'Almerita 2017 Sicilia Contea di Sclafani Rosso del Conte is easy to recognise in a blind tasting thanks to its characteristic aromas of blackcurrant, olive, aniseed and scorched earth. The wine transports you straight to beautiful Sicily in the heart of the Mediterranean." Wine Advocate

"The 2017 Rosso del Conte captivates with a burst of citrus, black cherry and grilled herbs, accompanied by hints of cedar and undergrowth. It is racy and supple, with a wave of tart wild berry and mineral tones supported by a core of vibrant acidity. Grippy tannins are added towards the end. The 2017 finishes long and persistent with a rich, primary concentration. Notes of medicinal blackberries, liquorice and cocoa linger for up to a minute. The length alone is impressive, but the 2017 will need time to fully integrate. Nevertheless, I look forward to tasting it again in four to five years." Vinous

"This historic single-vineyard blend of Nero d'Avola and Perricone in 2017 is dusty, earthy and woody, with a depth of dark fruits and overtones of lavender and violet. In the mouth it's intense, ripe and spicy, combining sweetness of dried cherry with wild strawberry and black cherry. Balsamic freshness gives contrasting lift to the hefty but fine-grained tannins, while the finish is super-bright and saline with a kick of raspberry. Superb." Decanter

"A traditional blend based on Nero d'Avola Perricone and from vines that only produce a few grams, a concentrate of intensity and history. On the nose, cherries in alcohol, mentholated notes and Mediterranean scrub. On the palate, it is dense and tight, with a fruity, mentholated finish." Luca Gardini

"Elegant, bright ruby red colour with a delicately brightening rim. Exciting and inviting nose of ripe raspberries, wild strawberries, a hint of elderberries, then mint and sage, delicate hints of iron. Compact on the palate with tightly woven, savoury tannins, excellent length, slightly resinous and fruity undertone, rich in finesse and long." Falstaff

Deep crimson ruby red colour. On the nose, it smells of raspberries with beautiful concentration, a peppery tingle and perfectly integrated oak. Lively, crushed red berry fruit on the palate with long, finely chiselled tannins. It closes up a little on the finish, so you can expect much more, but for now it is already irresistible. Balanced and very elegant. SUPERIORE.DE

"Excellent blend of Nero d'Avola and Perricone: complex bouquet with aromas of stone fruit and wild berries; complex on the palate, with noticeable acidity, tightly woven tannins, persistent." Vinum

"Dark ruby red with violet reflections. Delicate, inviting nose, lots of fruit, cherries and plums, redcurrant, backed by fresh herbs and a hint of vanilla. Harmonious and elegant on the palate, noble, silky tannins, vibrant acidity, juicy and animating right into the long final." Falstaff

"Ripe strawberries with blackberries and a hint of tar. Full to medium body with strong tannins and a chewy and juicy finish. Very structured. A wine to age in the cellar. Still very young. Try after 2025." James Suckling

"Hints of exotic spice and cedar shavings waft over to reveal black raspberries, cocoa and dried roses as the 2018 Rosso del Conte slowly develops in the glass. It is incredibly fresh, cool and youthfully balanced, with a depth of tart wild berry fruit accompanied by a hint of blood orange and a zesty core of acidity. The 2018 tapers long, classically dry and structured, but retains its freshness. A minty note persists alongside a balsamic hint and a tart crispness from the cranberries." Vinous

Franchetti Rosso is Passopisciaro's flagship wine and a stunningly perfect wine. The grapes come from 1000-metre-high northern Etna vineyard sites, where the soils are ash and pumice. Franchetti is a ripe, exotic wine that envelops the palate with dark fruit. Refined tannins support the fruit, while an intense inner sweetness adds elegance and finesse. A thoroughly outstanding drop. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Franchetti is 97% Petit Verdot with 3% Cesanese d'Affile (an indigenous grape variety that grows mainly in Lazio or central Italy) blended in. I love the elegance, dark concentration and aromatic intensity of this very unusual and bold wine (I mean, who plants Cesanese on Mount Etna?). It's extracted and deep, with black fruits and etched end notes of pencil traces and crushed white pepper." Wine Advocate

"A red with lots of energy and a linear focus with black cherry, mint, white pepper, sandalwood and cedar aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied. Fine and intense tannins. Vivid and fresh. A blend of petit verdot and cesanese. Drink or hold." James Suckling

"Expressive, of cherry syrup, ripe blackberries, graphite, a hint of grape juice, elegant spice in the finish. With great substance and concentration, without being full-bodied, clear and precise fruit, stretches wide, savoury, tightly meshed, long." Falstaff

"The 2019 Franchetti is like a dark stallion, muscular and supple. It opens slowly in the glass, inward yet viral, with dusty dried flowers giving way to nuances of plum, brown spices, cardamom, savoury herbs and a hint of cocoa. The texture is like crushed velvet, striking, almost heavy, but with a balance of vibrant acidity and tart fruit contrasting. The 2019 leaves a subtle tinge of harmonious tannins, along with dark inner flowers and hints of blackcurrant that linger incredibly long. The vines for the Franchetti were planted in 2000 in the Cru Guardiola." Vinous

Franchetti Rosso is Passopisciaro's flagship wine and a stunningly perfect wine. The grapes come from 1000-metre-high northern Etna vineyard sites, where the soils are ash and pumice. Franchetti is a ripe, exotic wine that envelops the palate with dark fruit. Refined tannins support the fruit, while an intense inner sweetness adds elegance and finesse. A thoroughly outstanding drop. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Franchetti is a unique wine that perfectly interprets the high volcanic soils. Power, structure and then such a straightforward concentration of aromas: deep scent of black cherries, plums, orange zest and mint. Then comes a distinct minerality. Dark chocolate and blueberry show on the palate, spiced with fresh tarragon. A great wine to know from Etna." Vinum

"The Vini Franchetti 2020 Franchetti is very spicy and savory with inky black fruit aromas. You feel the 15.5% alcohol content over the wine's thick, full-bodied texture." Wine Advocate

"Dark ruby red with a delicately lightening rim. In the nose of ripe heart cherries, paired with cold smoke, mulberries as well as freshly roasted coffee and a hint of Ras-el-Hanout. Extremely polished and compact on the palate, opens to juicy tannin, punchy and with plenty of finesse, keeps coming back, dense, long and balanced." Falstaff

"The 2020 Franchetti is beautiful, jumping out of the glass, spicy and intense, showing off its Cesanese aromas with a mix of blackberries, lavender, sage, white pepper and smoke that make it impossible to ignore. This wine is very structured, almost creamy yet tangy, with medium body and a salty core of minerality that balances the masses of ripe dark fruit and sweet herbal notes. The length is amazing, as is the harmony within. It finishes structured yet supple, with violet flowers and nuances of plum jam that linger. This wine is already very appealing, elegance personified, but the best is surely yet to come." Vinous

The Frappato Vino di Contrada FL (from Contrada Fossa di Lupo) shows a slightly looser texture than the other two Contrada wines that have been part of Arianna Occhipinti's portfolio for 4 vintages. The Contrada Fossa di Lupo provides much of the fruit used for the entire Occhipinti line. It consists of sandy limestone with red and dark brown clay veins. The wine shows aromas of red fruits, including plums and blackberries. Slight hints of exotic spices only emerge after the Frappato has had time to really unpack in the glass. This wine is perhaps the most open of the three. Only 2,700 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"A dark, rich expression with earthy red and black cherry flavours and a bright, stony palate with intensely tart wild red fruits. It has a pronounced spiciness and sharpness that seems to come from the yeasts, leading to a dry finish with juicy cherry and strawberry notes." Decanter

"The Frappato Vino di Contrada FL 2020 has a more delicate style with aromas of wild roses and flowers that rise delicately from the glass. Behind this are earthy tones, baked aubergine skin and slight hints of roasted fennel seeds. On the palate, the wine is tart and fresh, with equally macerated flavours. This wine is the somewhat wilder of the three Contrada wines in the series. The fruit comes from the Contrada Fossa di Lupo, with reddish and dark brown soils." Wine Advocate

The Frappato Vino di Contrada BB from the single vineyard Bombolieri is the darkest and most saturated of the three Frappato wines. This vineyard lies high on a promontory with white limestone soils. The expression is open and accessible like the other wines, but in this wine there is an added layer of earth or potting soil to the bright red and black fruits one perceives on the nose. This wine also seems to have extra layering and textural richness. All this fruit is topped with a fresh acidity that plays a big role and makes this wine a nice partner for creamy fettuccine. Only 2,400 bottles were produced. SUPERIORE.DE

"It has some flinty reduction at this early phase in its life, hinting at milk chocolate, black cherry and earthy red fruit aromas. In the mouth it's grippy, broad and juicy, offering dark hedgerow berry flavours with a depth of warm soil, cardamom and peppery spice." Decanter

"The Frappato Vino di Contrada BB 2020 has a slightly richer colour with aromas of dark fruits such as black cherry and fresh plums. I like the impeccable balance of the BB (from Contrada Bombolieri with sandy soils and stones)." Wine Advocate