Passopisciaro Contrada ‘G’ Guardiola Nerello Mascelese 2020

Made from Nerello Mascelese, some call it the Barolo of the South, others a cross between Pinot & Nebbiolo. I prefer to say it is itself & delicious. The vineyards of Etna have undergone a major renaissance in the last couple of decades. Passipisciaro has been one of the wineries at the forefront. I was blown away the first time I tasted this wine.

NOTE: The two reviews below were made almost 12 months apart. The 1st by Guido was very close to bottling when the wines would be upset. The 2nd by Callegari a year later when the wines would have had a chance to resolve.

Contrada Guardiola always stands out in the Passopisciaro cru line-up for its seamless expression of the territory and the 2020 vintage is no exception. Cherries and cherry blossoms meet blood and bricks, graphite and gunpowder on the nose, and a tart and mouthwatering palate adds sour strawberry and rhubarb. Chewy tannins and pronounced acid can wake up the palate right now or develop through 2033. 

Danielle Callegari, Wine Enthusiast 95 Points May 2023

“The 2020 Contrada Guardiola (G) is a showstopper; surprisingly floral, with masses of rose and violet tones giving way to blackberries and a dusting of spice. This flows across the palate with ease, silky at first with a salty core and tart red berries that drench the senses; yet throughout, it remains perfumed and finessed. Spiced citrus and herbal tones linger through the long finale, along with a coating of fine tannins that promise a long and even development. Franky stated, this is one of the prettiest renditions of Guardiola fruit that I’ve ever experienced. Drinking Window: 2024 – 2032”

Eric Guido, Vinous 96 Points