2016 Vini Franchetti (Passopisciaro) Passorosso

Andrea Franchetti arrived on Mt. Etna in 2000 as one of the first of the modern wave of producers arriving on the volcano. There he found seventy to one hundred year-old, bush-trained vines across the northern side of the volcano across a variety of optimal sites between 550 and 1,000 meters (1,800 to 3,300 feet) above sea level. The grapes are taken from various contrade (crus) of Malpasso, Guardiola, Santo Spirito, Favazza and Arcuria; generally, the higher crus are on a more gravelly soil, the lower ones in a deeper powder made with more oxidized, older lavas.

Other Reviews....
Luminous red. Floral and mineral nuances complement violet and blueberry aromas on the inviting nose. Clean, bright and juicy, this offers vibrant flavors of ripe dark plum, blackcurrant and minerals. A very pretty wine that finishes taut and saline but with building sweetness and intriguing pepperiness. A very pretty Nerello Mascalese that shares aromatic elements typical of Petit Verdots and Cabernet Francs that add to this wine’s overall complexity.
92 Points
Ian D'Agata - Vinous

Raspberry, cherry, light spice and smokiness, almond, floral prettiniess this vintage too. Bright red fruits, firm, brick dust tannin, very ‘mineral’ and stony, slip of orange peel and dried herb on the finish. It’s a complete iteration of Passorosso with weight of fruit, freshness and perfume all in the mix. Splendid.
95 Points
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front