2019 Vini Franchetti (Passopisciaro) Contrada Rampante Etna Rosso

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....
Rampante invariably my favourite wine from Passopisciaro, and no change here, though this year it’s touch and go with the Sciaranuova. Dried roses, smoked tea, raspberry and spice. Medium-bodied, firm emery tannin, savoury but juicy with all the volcanic stuff lending an ultra-mineral feel, and a long furry tannin finish with a dash of liquorice root and tobacco. Quite the wine. Drink 2024-2033+.
96 points
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front

Smoky flint, dark spice, blue flower and forest berry aromas come to the forefront along with a whiff of hay. Racy and loaded with mineral tension, the elegant, structured palate delivers crushed raspberry, pomegranate, licorice and ground clove before an almost salty mineral finish. Taut, refined tannins and fresh acidity provide the framework. Drink 2027–2032.
97 points
Kerin O'Keefe - Wine Enthusiast

100% Nerello Mascalese from 100-year-old vines grown in Contrada Rampante at 1,000 m above sea level. Fermentation in stainless steel with a total skin-contact time of 15 days. MLF and ageing for 18 months in large oak casks.
Mid ruby. Brooding and hinting at ripe red fruit with iodine notes, oatmeal and still embryonic. Richly tannic racy raspberry fruit. Very long, juicy and energetic, tannic and perfumed. Great long-lasting tannic bite on the finish. Drink 2022 – 2030.
17+/20 points
Walter Speller - jancisrobinson.com