The late Andrea Franchetti built Passopisciaro on a daring ambition: to prove that Mount Etna’s extreme volcanic terraces could produce wines with the ethereal elegance and site-specificity of Grand Cru Burgundy. That founding vision remains the heart of the estate today as his son, Benjamin Franchetti, guides Passopisciaro into its next chapter. Sitting near the upper tree-line limits of viticulture at a dizzying 1,000 meters elevation, Rampante represents pure mountain intensity.Grown on ancient, heavily weathered, sandier lava soils, these late-ripening vines yield a weightless red of extreme precision. The nose is darkly alluring, blending blackberries, plum skin, grilled herbs, crushed rocks, and exotic curry spices. On the palate, cool-toned red and black fruits sprint across a beam of stony minerals, echoing the translucent elegance of top-tier Chambertin.

95+ Points, Vinous Media:

"The 2024 Contrada R is darkly alluring with a blend of blackberries, plum skin, grilled herbs, crushed rocks, exotic spices and curry. It is distinctly savory in style with stony minerals and cool-toned red and black fruits that linger on the palate. The 2024 is not yet ready to reveal its charms. Lose this in the cellar."

Why You'll Love It

• The Pinnacle Site: Sourced from the highest vineyard site on the estate, widely considered the Grand Cru peak of Mount Etna.

• Burgundian Translucency: Offers weightless power and razor-sharp mineral focus reminiscent of fine Côte de Nuits Pinot Noir.

• Long-Haul Longevity: Driven by extreme high-altitude acidity and stony depth, this bottle will evolve gracefully in the cellar for decades.

How To Serve It

• Ideal Temperature: Serve slightly cool at 56°F–60°F (13°C–15°C) in large Burgundy stems.

• Decanting: Give it a solid 90-minute decant if opening young, or tuck it away in the cellar.

• Food Pairing: Roast pheasant, herb-crusted rack of lamb, or black truffle risotto.