About Passopisciaro

In 2000, Andrea Franchetti made the bold decision to restore an ancient farm and cellars nestled on the slopes of Mount Etna, a fiery volcano located in northeastern Sicily. The winery is located at an impressive altitude of around a thousand meters above the charming wine town of Passopisciaro in the district of Castiglione di Sicilia, nestled on the northern slope of the majestic volcano. His initial assignment involved revitalizing neglected terraces of historic vines on the mountain's northern slopes. He diligently replanted the vines at a density of 12,000 per hectare, carefully considering the thin lavic soil.

His presence on Etna played a crucial role in revitalizing the wine industry on the mountain and introducing the world to the exceptional wines of Etna. Passopisciaro is a place where the native grape Nerello Mascalese takes center stage, showcasing its different terroirs and altitudes through a range of crus. Additionally, there are other grape varieties like Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, and Cesanese d’Affile. Andrea Franchetti, a visionary in the world of winemaking, made significant contributions to the industry. He recognized the potential of Mount Etna as a unique terroir for wine production when few others did, establishing his first project, Etna. This venture proved to be a success, with Franchetti's innovative approach and foresight earning him the reputation of a true visionary.

Following the triumph of Tenuta di Trinoro in the Val d’Orcia in southern Tuscany, Franchetti embarked on his second project, Passopisicaro, situated in the almost deserted rolling hills of Sarteano. His ability to identify promising, yet overlooked, locations for wine cultivation demonstrated his exceptional understanding of the industry. Today, his son Benjamin Franchetti, a mechanical engineer with a PhD and Masters from Imperial College in London, is leading the project. Benjamin's expertise and practicality, combined with a team of carefully selected agronomists and oenologists, are ensuring that Andrea's legacy and innovative spirit continue to thrive.

The brand Passopisciaro, along with Franchetti's experimentation with unique grape varieties such as Petit Verdot and Cesanese di Affile, has led to the creation of exceptional wines, including the renowned Franchetti IGT Terre Siciliane. Andrea Franchetti's enduring impact on the wine industry is a testament to his pioneering vision and dedication to pushing the boundaries of traditional winemaking. His legacy is being upheld through the passion and expertise of his son and the talented team working alongside him.