At a glance

Producer

Passopisciaro

Region

Etna, Sicily, Italy

Grape variety

Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$40-$60

Tasting profile

Red cherries, earthy volcanic minerals, sweet spices, fresh herbs, and subtle floral notes with firm tannic grip.

Evolution: Tannins will soften, minerality will integrate further and complexity will deepen with age.

At peak: Complex bouquet of dried fruit, leather, truffle, and layered spice; silky texture with refined tannins.

Structure

Acidity

High acidity typical of Etna red wines

Tannins

Medium to firm

Alcohol

13.5-14.0%

Aging potential

15-20+ years due to excellent structure and vintage quality

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2029 to 2047

Optimal window

2027 to 2050

Current status

Early maturity - developing

Current condition

Youthful tannins and bright acidity; will benefit from further aging.

The Passorosso from Passopisciaro is a terroir-driven Etna red with dense mineral framework and high acidity which supports long aging. The 2022 vintage is fresh but well-structured, ensuring optimal drinking will begin roughly 5 years from the vintage and extend 10-15 years beyond.

Food pairing

Works well with roasted game, lamb, porcini risotto, grilled vegetables, and aged pecorino cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To allow the firm tannins and complex aromatics to open up, revealing nuanced mineral and fruit layers.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Use of cover crops for soil health, minimal intervention winemaking, solar energy utilization at winery, water conservation methods in vineyard

Passopisciaro integrates organic farming certified vineyards on Etna’s slopes, emphasizing biodiversity and low-impact interventions. The winery reduces energy consumption via solar power and employs water-saving irrigation techniques. Packaging uses lightweight glass bottles and recycled materials, moderately lowering carbon impact. Despite export transport emissions, the overall sustainability profile is strong for a premium Sicilian estate.