The Passopisciaro domaine was established in 2001 by Andrea Franchetti (who also owns the Tenuta di Trinoro in Tuscany). The vineyard is on the slopes of Mount Etna, 1,000 metres above sea level, which causes grapes to ripen very slowly over a long period of time. The 26-hectare vineyard is planted with Nerello Mascalese, Chardonnay and Petit Verdot, with low-yielding relatively old 60 to 80 year-old vines. Extraction and ageing are very gentle, and the wine spends approximately 20 months in large barrels. The entire range of wines from this domaine is of excellent quality in a style with a finesse not dissimilar to Côte de Nuits. The fresh climate and volcanic soil create pronounced acidity levels and a very harmonious overall effect.

This wine owes its name to the small parcel in which it is grown. This is located on the flanks of Mount Etna at a height of between 800 and 1000 metres, and is home to hundred-year-old Nerello Mascalese vines. In these volcanic soils, the grape expresses itself in the wine with elegance and freshness. This cuvée, which has been matured for 18 months in oak casks, produces a scent of stewed red berries and a juicy, pulpy palate with spicy, slightly saline flavours at the finish. This is a great wine of real character, which can be laid down in the cellar for a number of years.