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Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
These wines are spectacular, loaded with personality, a true expression of extreme sites! 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.The 2024 is a ripper! Grape first, it's a li
With fruit sourced from the Contradas of San Lorenzo, Feudo and Calderara Sottana there is some serious pedigree to the vineyards and it shows in the wine! With fruit sourced from the Contradas of San Lorenzo, Feudo and Calderara Sottana there is some serious pedigree to the vineyards and it shows in the wine! Giuseppe Russo makes some of the best wines on Etna. Full stop.
A Ripper from Marco! For the 2023 Vintage: Terre Nere's ascension continues. The 2023 Etna Rosso is a delight. Harmonious, flowing, superb élévage. Earth, spice and all things nice layer around a core of dark, savoury fruit of excellent mid-palate weight. There's plenty of energy here. Perhaps one of the most complete Terre Nere Etna Rosso's to date. Making a wine of this calibre in such a difficult year is a demonstration that they have mastered the mountain.A great introduction to the wi
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
Meaning New Lava Flow it's young soils have not broken down to release as much nutrient as the olds flows. Treating the vines mean and keeping them lean! The Passopisciaro 2023 Contrada S is 100% Nerello Mascalese from 90-year-old vines planted at 850 meters in elevation in Contrada Sciaranuova. This feels richer and meatier, with dark fruit and 15% alcohol that you certainly feel. It offers fewer high-toned aromas and relies instead on sheer power and muscle. The wine matures for 18 months in l
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
The Highest Elevation Contrada owned by Passopisciaro making delicious Ethereal wines! The 2023 Rosso Contrada R evolves in the glass, youthfully tight and complex, with dusty earth and rose tones that open the stage for citrus-inflected cherries and nuances of wet stones. This envelops the palate with soothingly round, creamy textures as ripe blackberries mix with exotic spice and licorice notes throughout. The 2023 finishes long and quite spicy, leaving a pleasantly bitter tinge and grippy ta
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
Guardiola higher elevation puts it on the more elegant side of the scales! The Passopisciaro 2023 Contrada G is 100% Nerello Mascalese from 140-year-old alberello vines planted in Contrada Guardiola, one of my absolute favorite sites on the volcano and one that consistently produces some of the Etna reds I love most. Sourced from vines at 800 meters in elevation in pyroclastic volcanic soils, the wine shows beautiful elegance and fruit that works so nicely within this exceptionally made, well-ma
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
Made with 100% Nerello Mascalese from Contrada Chiappemacine, the Passopisciaro 2023 Contrada C offers lovely intensity and a wholesome aromatic approach. Silky and steady in character, it delivers lavender, rosemary, bramble, wild fennel, mountain herbs and volcanic stone. The 90-year-old vines are planted at 550 meters in elevation in mixed limestone and volcanic soils, giving the wine a distinctive combination of floral lift, territorial character and grounded presence. The wine matures for 1
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
The Contrada ChiappaManiche has 90-year-old vines and is located midway up the volcanic cone at 550 meters in elevation. The Passopisciaro 2022 Contrada C shows a very specific character with a pronounced mineral note that cedes to blue and black fruits and fresh blooming violet. These two sides of the wine play against each other to add pretty contrasts and intensity. This elegant wine spends 18 months in oak. Some 4,000 bottles were released.Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate 94 Points
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
The Highest Elevation Contrada owned by Passopisciaro making delicious Ethereal wines! The 2022 Contrada Rampante is intense, wafting up with all of the volcanic ash and stones that make up its soils, complicated by grilled herbs and citrus-laced blackberries. This is surprisingly juicy and energetic in feel, with a wave of vibrantly ripe red and blue fruits that swirl throughout as tactile minerals collect toward the close. It finishes with teeth-coating tannins and concentration, leaving a sen
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
Guardiola higher elevation puts it on the more elegant side of the scales! The Passopisciaro 2022 Contrada G is a true beauty in a portfolio of wines that is very impressive across the board. The "G" stands for Guardiola, one of the most stunning vineyards anywhere, at 800 meters in elevation on the blackened volcanic cone with alberello (head-pruned) vines that have reached the 140-year mark. These factors shape a silky and very elegant wine with redcurrant, grilled herb and blue rosemary flowe
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
Meaning New Lava Flow it's young soils have not broken down to release as much nutrient as the olds flows. Treating the vines mean and keeping them lean! The Passopisciaro 2022 Contrada S shows bright energy with a spot of fresh cherry that rises above the volcanic notes of ash and crushed stone that normally defines Nerello Mascalese. This wine draws its fruit from 90-year-old vines at 850 meters in elevation in the Contrada Sciaranuova. It sits very nicely on the palate with good primary inten
Chardonnay from Etna, Sicily
Nice little bit of funk and complexity with citrus oils lifting from the glass. The step up in quality of fruit from the Passobianco is significant and justifies the step up in price. Focused and vertical with excellent mid-palate weight. Those citrus oils translate from nose to palate. The élévage here is very good with a harmony from the careful exposure to oxygen during maturation.From just a few terrraces with very deep soil. The yields here are lowered to ⅓ of capable at 5 bunc
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
A delicacy and perfume on the nose. Oyster shell and seaweed hint in the wine. The lowest of Passopisciaro’s contrada. Chiappemacine is typically fuller and richer by comparison The 2021 is a demonstration of Passopisciaro’s desire to tame the beast, pulling it back and achieving restraint.The core of fruit on the palate is one of the richer profiles for the 2021 Contrade. Red fruit, strawberry, a savoury layer and an earthiness. Still quite tight with slate and excellent tannins of gri
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
Lower elevation builds more generosity into Porcaria. Such wonderful texture! More immediate generosity from Porcaria, a sub-contrada of Feudo di Mezzo. A little savoury, with a full round aroma profile. Rich and round on the palate with excellent acid, zippy and on the borderline of sour, countered by ripe, spiced fruit. Time will undoubtedly see the acid resolve. Excellent red and darker fruit with baking spice and slatey grip of tannin. Herbal and fine. Very good. NOTE: I tasted these 12
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
The Highest Elevation Contrada owned by Passopisciaro making delicious Ethereal wines! The hardest of the Contrade wines to read straight away. Oyster shell and seaweed aromas remind me of the Passorosso 2021 when just off the boat. Elegant, fine and delicate. Tightly coiled, this is the dark horse with time in bottle it will build generosity and open. A loverly perfume with a savoury hit. Red fruits, a wine often paired with fish. Restrained. Slatey, fine tannin with a little more grip a
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
Meaning New Lava Flow it's young soils have not broken down to release as much nutrient as the olds flows. Treating the vines mean and keeping them lean! Such an interesting comparison in flavour profile with the Guardiola. Brooding, there’s something inviting and seductive about it.It has an incredible amount to offer. Beautifully balanaced. Earthier more secondary characters with savoury bits. Blossoming in the glass fruit comes through quickly with a lift of rose perfume. Just like the
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
Guardiola higher elevation puts it on the more elegant side of the scales! Very together on the nose, seamless and complete. Long and fine, exceptional length, layering and balance with great depth of fruit. Perfume dancing over the top of red and darker fruit. Layers of excellent tannin with playful grip. Licks of spice, savoury bits and beyond. Camphor, fine tabacco, slate and liquorice. An absolute ripper! NOTE: I tasted these 12 months after Eric Guido in June 2024.The prestige of
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
The lowest of Passopisciaro's contrada. Chiappemacine is typically fuller and richer by comparison 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.The Chippemacine and Sciaranuovo tend t
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
Lower elevation builds more generosity into Porcaria. Such wonderful texture! 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
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
Meaning New Lava Flow it's young soils have not broken down to release as much nutrient as the olds flows. Treating the vines mean and keeping them lean! 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 taste
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
The Highest Elevation Contrada owned by Passopisciaro making delicious Ethereal wines! 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 hi
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
Guardiola higher elevation puts it on the more elegant side of the scales! 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. T
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
Lower elevation builds more generosity into Porcaria. Such wonderful texture! 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.“Aromas of Mediterranean scrub, eucalyptus, smoky flint an
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
The lowest of Passopisciaro's contrada. Chiappemacine is typically fuller and richer by comparison 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.The Chippemacine and Sciaranuovo tend t
Showing of wines
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
These wines are spectacular, loaded with personality, a true expression of extreme sites! 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.The 2024 is a ripper! Grape first, it's a li
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
The Contrada ChiappaManiche has 90-year-old vines and is located midway up the volcanic cone at 550 meters in elevation. The Passopisciaro 2022 Contrada C shows a very specific character with a pronounced mineral note that cedes to blue and black fruits and fresh blooming violet. These two sides of the wine play against each other to add pretty contrasts and intensity. This elegant wine spends 18 months in oak. Some 4,000 bottles were released.Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate 94 Points
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
The Highest Elevation Contrada owned by Passopisciaro making delicious Ethereal wines! The 2022 Contrada Rampante is intense, wafting up with all of the volcanic ash and stones that make up its soils, complicated by grilled herbs and citrus-laced blackberries. This is surprisingly juicy and energetic in feel, with a wave of vibrantly ripe red and blue fruits that swirl throughout as tactile minerals collect toward the close. It finishes with teeth-coating tannins and concentration, leaving a sen
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
Guardiola higher elevation puts it on the more elegant side of the scales! The Passopisciaro 2022 Contrada G is a true beauty in a portfolio of wines that is very impressive across the board. The "G" stands for Guardiola, one of the most stunning vineyards anywhere, at 800 meters in elevation on the blackened volcanic cone with alberello (head-pruned) vines that have reached the 140-year mark. These factors shape a silky and very elegant wine with redcurrant, grilled herb and blue rosemary flowe
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
Meaning New Lava Flow it's young soils have not broken down to release as much nutrient as the olds flows. Treating the vines mean and keeping them lean! The Passopisciaro 2022 Contrada S shows bright energy with a spot of fresh cherry that rises above the volcanic notes of ash and crushed stone that normally defines Nerello Mascalese. This wine draws its fruit from 90-year-old vines at 850 meters in elevation in the Contrada Sciaranuova. It sits very nicely on the palate with good primary inten
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
Meaning New Lava Flow it's young soils have not broken down to release as much nutrient as the olds flows. Treating the vines mean and keeping them lean! The Passopisciaro 2023 Contrada S is 100% Nerello Mascalese from 90-year-old vines planted at 850 meters in elevation in Contrada Sciaranuova. This feels richer and meatier, with dark fruit and 15% alcohol that you certainly feel. It offers fewer high-toned aromas and relies instead on sheer power and muscle. The wine matures for 18 months in l
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
The Highest Elevation Contrada owned by Passopisciaro making delicious Ethereal wines! The 2023 Rosso Contrada R evolves in the glass, youthfully tight and complex, with dusty earth and rose tones that open the stage for citrus-inflected cherries and nuances of wet stones. This envelops the palate with soothingly round, creamy textures as ripe blackberries mix with exotic spice and licorice notes throughout. The 2023 finishes long and quite spicy, leaving a pleasantly bitter tinge and grippy ta
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
Guardiola higher elevation puts it on the more elegant side of the scales! The Passopisciaro 2023 Contrada G is 100% Nerello Mascalese from 140-year-old alberello vines planted in Contrada Guardiola, one of my absolute favorite sites on the volcano and one that consistently produces some of the Etna reds I love most. Sourced from vines at 800 meters in elevation in pyroclastic volcanic soils, the wine shows beautiful elegance and fruit that works so nicely within this exceptionally made, well-ma
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
Made with 100% Nerello Mascalese from Contrada Chiappemacine, the Passopisciaro 2023 Contrada C offers lovely intensity and a wholesome aromatic approach. Silky and steady in character, it delivers lavender, rosemary, bramble, wild fennel, mountain herbs and volcanic stone. The 90-year-old vines are planted at 550 meters in elevation in mixed limestone and volcanic soils, giving the wine a distinctive combination of floral lift, territorial character and grounded presence. The wine matures for 1
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
A delicacy and perfume on the nose. Oyster shell and seaweed hint in the wine. The lowest of Passopisciaro’s contrada. Chiappemacine is typically fuller and richer by comparison The 2021 is a demonstration of Passopisciaro’s desire to tame the beast, pulling it back and achieving restraint.The core of fruit on the palate is one of the richer profiles for the 2021 Contrade. Red fruit, strawberry, a savoury layer and an earthiness. Still quite tight with slate and excellent tannins of gri
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
Lower elevation builds more generosity into Porcaria. Such wonderful texture! More immediate generosity from Porcaria, a sub-contrada of Feudo di Mezzo. A little savoury, with a full round aroma profile. Rich and round on the palate with excellent acid, zippy and on the borderline of sour, countered by ripe, spiced fruit. Time will undoubtedly see the acid resolve. Excellent red and darker fruit with baking spice and slatey grip of tannin. Herbal and fine. Very good. NOTE: I tasted these 12
Nerello Mascalese from Etna, Sicily
The Highest Elevation Contrada owned by Passopisciaro making delicious Ethereal wines! The hardest of the Contrade wines to read straight away. Oyster shell and seaweed aromas remind me of the Passorosso 2021 when just off the boat. Elegant, fine and delicate. Tightly coiled, this is the dark horse with time in bottle it will build generosity and open. A loverly perfume with a savoury hit. Red fruits, a wine often paired with fish. Restrained. Slatey, fine tannin with a little more grip a
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