Passopisciaro : Contrada "R" Rampante 2019

Tasting Notes and Serving Suggestions for Contrada "R" Rampante 2019 by Passopisciaro

Tasting

Color

With a moderately intense ruby-red hue, this wine reflects the hallmark characteristics of Nerello Mascalese wines from Mount Etna’s highest elevations.

Nose

The nose reveals fine aromatic complexity, with notes of fresh small red berries, accompanied by delicate floral nuances. Hints of spice and a pronounced mineral dimension round out this elegant, refined bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, this wine impresses with remarkable finesse and elegance. The structure is defined by vibrant mineral tension and persistent freshness. Red-fruit flavors weave seamlessly with spicy notes and a subtle floral touch. The mineral finish speaks to the terroir’s volcanic origin and the vineyard’s exceptional altitude.

Food and Wine Pairing

This wine pairs beautifully with herb-roasted white meats, simply prepared poultry, as well as fine fish. It also matches very well with pasta in light sauces and seafood-based dishes.

Serving and Cellaring

Contrada "R" Rampante 2019 can be enjoyed now for its freshness and fruit, but it also offers excellent aging potential thanks to its well-integrated tannic structure and bright acidity.

An Italian high-altitude Nerello Mascalese from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna

The Estate

Founded in 2000 by Andrea Franchetti on the northern slope of Mount Etna, Passopisciaro now spans around twenty-three hectares of vineyards in Sicily. The estate is currently run by Benjamin Franchetti, the founder’s son, alongside Vincenzo Lo Mauro, the director who has been with the estate since its inception. Passopisciaro played a major role in Mount Etna’s wine renaissance by demonstrating the exceptional potential of Nerello Mascalese and championing the concept of contrada, these distinct volcanic micro-terroirs. The estate remains an international benchmark for Mount Etna’s high-altitude wines.

The Vineyard

The Contrada Rampante vineyard lies at the highest elevation among Passopisciaro’s parcels, rising above 1,000 meters above sea level. This exceptional position makes it one of the last vineyards to be harvested on Mount Etna. Volcanic soils, made up of lava and sand of eruptive origin, give the wine its signature minerality. The extreme altitude allows for slow, extended ripening, encouraging the development of complex aromas while preserving remarkable freshness. This wine is classified under the Terre Siciliane appellation due to the particular administrative status of certain vineyard parcels located beyond the altitude limits set for the Etna designation.

The Vintage

The 2019 vintage benefited from favorable climatic conditions, enabling optimal ripening of the grapes at this high altitude. The late harvest in Contrada Rampante allowed the berries to reach ideal maturity while retaining the acidity and mineral tension that define this outstanding terroir.

Vinification and Aging

Contrada "R" Rampante 2019 is vinified with an approach that respects both fruit and terroir. Aging generally takes place in large, neutral oak casks in order to preserve aromatic purity and the mineral expression of Nerello Mascalese, without masking the grape’s delicate character with overly prominent oak notes.

Grape Variety

100% Nerello Mascalese