Domain: Passopisciaro

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.