Passopisciaro Contrada ‘R’ Rampante 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.

A little rule of thumb 👍🏻for you, wines of higher acidity will have fresher fruit flavours and aromas than the same wine with lower acidity.

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. This is particularly important for Rampante as the highest altitude Contrada it typically has the highest acidity levels extending the time needed for the wine to resolve.

A lush berry blend of cranberries, raspberries, red and black cherries and blackberries is offset by the classic allure of tar and rose petal notes on the nose. The palate acts as an acoustic reflection of the nose holding the line between crunchy and velvety, sweet and sour, spicy and sweet. This is a Nerello Mascalese that forces you think about texture, and celebrates the effort of making wine at this altitude on the volcano. 

Danielle Callegari, Wine Enthusiast 96 Points May 2023

“The 2020 Contrada Rampante (R) is youthfully inward and understated, showing hints of savory, curry-like spice, dried strawberries and tomato leaf. It’s silky in texture and lifted in feel, with saline-mineral tones up front that give way to inner rose and tart berry fruit. The 2020 finishes structured and dry, yet also a bit short, as the slightest hint of hard red candies fades. Only time will tell if the 2020 Rampante will ever awaken from this slightly awkward state. I tasted this from two separate bottles with similar results. Drinking Window: 2024 – 2028”

Eric Guido, Vinous 89 Points June 2022