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At a Glance

• Passopisciaro produces six distinct wines made from 100% Nerello Mascalese, highlighting the dramatic variations in soil, altitude, and microclimates of Mount Etna’s volcanic terrain.

• The brand embraces natural winemaking techniques, including spontaneous fermentation, malolactic fermentation, and aging in neutral oak barrels, allowing the true character of each contrada to shine.

• The vines, some aged between 70-100 years, grow at varying elevations (550m to 1,080m), each contrada offering a unique expression influenced by lava flows, soil composition, and microclimates.

• Passopisciaro’s contrade, including the famed Contrada Porcaria and Guardiola, produce sought-after wines that reflect the rich history and prestige of winemaking on Mount Etna.


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.

Additional Details:

  • Producer: Vini Franchetti
  • Varietals: Nerello Mascalese, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, Cesanese di Affile
  • Organic Practice Certificates: No
  • Sustainable Certificates: No
  • Vegan Process Certificates: No
  • Biodynamic Certificates: No
  • Image
  • Country: Italy
  • Region: Sicily
  • Sub Region: Catania

Made with Organic Grapes

Sustainably Farmed

Vegan Process

Biodynamic

Contrada G 2021 Product Shot

Passopisciaro

Contrada G - 2022


750ml|15.0% ABV

Red 750ml
  • Sub-Region: Catania
  • Region: Sicily
  • Varietal: Nerello Mascalese
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Contrada R 2021 Product Shot
Made with Organic Grapes | Vegan

Passopisciaro

Contrada R - 2022


750ml|15.0% ABV

Red 750ml
  • Sub-Region: Catania
  • Region: Sicily
  • Varietal: Nerello Mascalese
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Out of stock
Passo Bianco "Contrada PC" 2019 Product Shot
Made with Organic Grapes |

Passopisciaro

Passobianco "Contrada PC" - 2021


750ml|13.0% ABV

White 750ml
  • Sub-Region: Catania
  • Region: Sicily
  • Varietal: Chardonnay
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Made with Organic Grapes |

Passopisciaro

Passobianco "Terre Siciliane IGP" - 2022


750ml|13.5% ABV

White 750ml
  • Sub-Region: Catania
  • Region: Sicily
  • Varietal: Chardonnay
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Made with Organic Grapes | Vegan

Passopisciaro

Passorosso DOC Etna Rosso - 2022


750ml|14.0% ABV

Red 750ml
  • Sub-Region: Catania
  • Region: Sicily
  • Varietal: Nerello Mascalese
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Franchetti "Terre Siciliane IGT" 2020 Bottle Front
Made with Organic Grapes | Vegan

Passopisciaro

Franchetti "Terre Siciliane IGT" - 2021


750ml|14.5% ABV

Red 750ml
  • Sub-Region: Catania
  • Region: Sicily
  • Varietal: 97% Petit Verdot, 3% Cesanese d'Affile
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Made with Organic Grapes |

Passopisciaro

Franchetti "20 Anni Terre Siciliane IGP" (Wooden) - 2019


1.5L|14.0% ABV

Red 1.5L
  • Sub-Region: Catania
  • Region: Sicily
  • Varietal: Nerello Mascalese
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Passorosso DOC Etna Rosso NV Product Shot
Made with Organic Grapes | Vegan

Passopisciaro

Passorosso DOC Etna Rosso NV


750ml|14.0% ABV

Red 750ml
  • Sub-Region: Catania
  • Region: Sicily
  • Varietal: Nerello Mascalese
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Made with Organic Grapes | Vegan

Passopisciaro

"Contrada P" - 2022


750ml|15.0% ABV

Red 750ml
  • Sub-Region: Catania
  • Region: Sicily
  • Varietal: Nerello Mascalese
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9 products found