Passopisciaro Contrada G Nerello Mascalese, Terre Siciliane

Passopisciaro produces Contrada G from the Guardiola vineyard, situated 800 metres above sea level on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. This site features ancient terraces carved into volcanic basalt and ash. The wine is 100% Nerello Mascalese, sourced from vines over 100 years old. Andrea Franchetti founded the estate to capture the specific character of these high-altitude lava flows, which yield fruit with unique mineral intensity and structural power.

The winemaking process focuses on site transparency. Grapes undergo fermentation in stainless-steel vats for approximately 15 days. The wine then matures for eighteen months in large neutral oak casks. This choice of vessel allows the wine to clarify and evolve without the interference of new oak flavours. This approach ensures that the volcanic origin of the grapes remains the primary focus of the finished product.

The nose offers scents of redcurrant, pomegranate and crushed stone. On the palate, the wine is lean and precise, featuring flavours of wild strawberry, iron and flint. Firm, chalky tannins and a saline finish provide significant length. This wine is a prestigious choice for Australian collectors interested in Sicily's distinctive viticulture. It offers a clear alternative to the traditional reds of mainland Italy.