Tenuta di Passopisciaro Passobianco IGT 2017
Instead of the indigenous Carricante, which grows on the eastern side of the volcano, Passobianco is made of 100% Chardonnay. When Franchetti arrived on Mt. Etna, he planted 4 hectares of the grape on steep terraces between 850 and 1,000 meters in the contrada of Guardiola, in very loose, deep, powder-like lava that is high in minerals. Its complexities bring together the specific light, drastic changes in temperature, altitude, and volcanic influences of Etna, and the choice of Chardonnay was meant to allow these influences to meld and evolve over time as the white ages, inspired by the aging potential of the great whites of Burgundy. The harvest is quite fussy, as we pick little portions of the vineyard every day, tasting the berries trailing along the terraces day after day, harvesting only when each individual cluster is ripe. The resulting wine is rich yet fresh, bright yet layered.
Wine File
The Producer Passopisciaro | Sicily
Passopisciaro is sited 1,000 metres above sea level on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, Sicily, a volcano from which a steady plume of smoke is a constant reminder that it is very much alive! The high altitude, exposure,...
Other wines from this producer
Tenuta di Passopisciaro Passobianco IGT 2017
Tenuta di Passopisciaro Passorosso IGT 2016
Tenuta di Passopisciaro Franchetti IGT 2010
The Region Italy | Sicily (Sicilia)
Italy's southernmost wine region, Sicily, is the largest island in the Mediterranean and in terms of quantity, is one of Italy's most important wine producing regions. In recent times Sicily’s winemakers have moved away from high-volume, unremarkable wines, to focus on...
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Pietradolce Etna Bianco 2019
Pietradolce Etna Rosso 2020
Tasca Lamùri Nero d'Avola 2018
Tasca Antisa Catarratto 2018
Tasca Cavallo delle Fate Grillo 2020
Graci Etna Rosato 2019
Graci Etna Rosso 2018
Mandrarossa Cartagho Nero d'Avola 2016
The Primary Grape Chardonnay
Chardonnay takes its name from a village in the Mâconnais, but has expanded widely from its Burgundian roots and is now planted around the world. The...