Passopisciaro Passorosso 2023

This wine is made from ancient Nerello Mascalese grapes from various vineyards at different heights on the northern side of Mount Etna. The higher vineyards have gravelly soils, while the lower ones have finer, deeper soils made from old lava. This wine brings together the unique qualities of these different areas into one bottle to give a complete sense of the region.

The 2021 Passorosso is coy in the glass, slowly opening with suggestions of dusty rose and dried strawberries complicated by a hint of sweet Indian curry. It’s silky yet racy with a salty minerality that comes forward quickly, perfectly balanced by a core of juicy red fruit and autumnal spice. The Passorosso leaves the palate stained in youthful concentration as a bump of residual acidity maintains terrific freshness and licorice notes fade. What a beauty. This is first-class Etna Rosso. It’s important to note that the Passorosso is not a second wine or a wine made from younger vines but instead a blend of old vines from all of Passopisciaro’s crus. If there is one wine from this portfolio that should be considered every year, this is it. 93 points, Eric Guido, Vinous

Made with Nerello Mascalese taken from all the vineyards. The aromas show plenty of strawberries and cherries with wrought iron and pumice. Medium-bodied with creamy and polished tannins with hints of cedar and light nutmeg. Savory and lightly tannic giving it tension and beauty. Drink or hold. 94 points, James Suckling

Passorosso is a blend of fruit from the winery’s various contrada sites. Crunchy, herbal and slightly smoky red berry aromas are followed by a ripe, sweet red-fruited palate full of balsamic intrigue and subtle stoniness. Bright strawberry, cherry and raspberry are supported by tight, fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity, ending witha succulent finish. Yum! 92 points James Button, Decanter