Passopisciaro Passorosso Nerello Mascelese 2017

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.

This is a deceptive creature. Initially, my cold bottle looked a little primary & closed. Then a little warmth and air started to coax it out of the glass. There’s a lot going on here, layers of flavour wrap a rich core of fruit. Earth, woody herbs, slate, and, a little spice marry sweet fruit, flowers beyond. The searing acid that was in the 2016 has been tempered in 2017, yet, remains juicy and refreshing. Be patient allow it a few years in bottle and you’ll go to a happy place. Every time I try the Passorosso I feel like the estate has taken a little step forward. There’s confidence, or, perhaps comfort in the winemaking here. A complete wine that reflects the year beautifully.

It’s got a few chunks of tartrate on the cork.

Always a great indicator of where the Contrade will sit!