Passopisciaro
Sicilia
Up in the clouds
On the northern face of Mount Etna, Passopisciaro thrives in a unique terroir shaped by the volcano's dramatic landscape. The region's diverse soils, ranging from sandy and silty to mineral-rich lava flows, create an ideal environment for cultivating the Nerello Mascalese grape.
The picturesque, high-altitude vineyards bask in the sun, while frequent lava flows carve out the distinct terroirs. The significant temperature variations between day and night, enhance the grapes' resilience and contribute significantly to their wines' elegance and depth. Embracing these dynamic conditions, Passopisciaro continues to highlight the region, producing wines of remarkable complexity and character.
wines
From a vacation discovery, to a vineyard revival
In 2001, Andrea Franchetti began his winemaking journey on Mount Etna after discovering ancient vineyards during a holiday in Syracuse. Situated at about a 1000 meters above the small wine town of Passopisciaro, the winery stands in the district of Castiglione di Sicilia. Franchetti's first endeavor was to restore long-abandoned terraces of ancient vines on the northern slopes, an initiative that played a pivotal role in revitalizing Etna's viticulture and drawing international acclaim to the region's unique wines. At Passopisciaro, the focus remains on the native Nerello Mascalese grape, exploring its diverse expressions across different terroirs and altitudes through a series of crus. Their wines continue to excite, solidifying their place in Italy's esteemed wine heritage.
What They Offer
Tour Della Cantina
Explore the wines of Passopisciaro, discover the unique soils and conclude with a cellar tasting experience
visit the northern slopes of etna