Passopisciaro

Located on the northern slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, Passopisciaro is a winery that is making waves in the world of Italian wine. Founded in 2000 by Andrea Franchetti, Passopisciaro is dedicated to showcasing the unique terroir of Etna through their wines.

The Etna region is known for its volcanic soil, high altitude vineyards, and cool climate, making it a challenging but rewarding place to grow grapes. Passopisciaro takes advantage of this unique terroir by crafting single-vineyard wines that capture the essence of the land.

The winery's name, Passopisciaro, is a tribute to the nearby town of Castiglione di Sicilia, where the first vineyards were planted on Mount Etna. The town's name translates to "Castle of the Pisciaro," and the winery's name is a nod to this history.

Passopisciaro produces a range of wines, including their flagship wine, Passopisciaro Contrada, which is a blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grapes from different vineyards on Mount Etna. The winery also produces single-vineyard wines from specific plots on the mountain, such as the Passopisciaro Sciaranuova and Passopisciaro Guardiola.

The winemaking philosophy at Passopisciaro is focused on minimal intervention and allowing the true character of the grapes and terroir to shine through. This is reflected in their use of indigenous yeasts and their commitment to organic farming practices.

Passopisciaro has gained international recognition for their wines, with their Contrada wine earning a spot on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2019.