Contrada R Passopisciaro 2022
"Contrada R" is a full-bodied, elegant and high-profile red wine, born from centenary vines of Nerello Mascalese from the Contrada Rampante on the slopes of Etna, matured in large oak barrels for 18 months. It is intense and very mineral, animated by aromas of flowers, violets and aromatic herbs. Power, complexity and freshness in the glass!
The Contrada R from Passopisciaro is a wine from Etna, a territory that in recent years has gained great success, proving to be perfect for the production of quality wines. Andrea Franchetti manages his winery in Frazione Passopisciaro and his vineyards are located in different contrade from which the wines themselves take their name: Contrada "R" stands for Rampante. The estate is an ancient baglio, surrounded by terraced land that makes viticulture difficult and heroic; around, nature appears unspoiled and the rows are in harmony with the surrounding ecosystem and in respect of the natural phases of growth and development of the plants and raw materials.
The vineyards of Contrada R from Passopisciaro are located at an altitude of about 1000 meters above sea level, near the slopes of Etna. The climate in this area is often sunny with cool breezes coming from the north that contribute to significant temperature excursions for excellent grape ripening. The soil is characterized by a consistent presence of minerals that derive from the lava flows that help make the soil fertile and welcoming for the roots of the plants; the plants are about a century old and some are characterized by not having been affected in the past by phylloxera. The grapes are harvested by hand and in the winery the alcoholic fermentation takes place thanks to the action of indigenous yeasts; it ages for 18 months in large oak barrels.
The color of Contrada R from Passopisciaro is a bright ruby red. On the nose, it releases aromas of ripe red fruits, wildflowers like violet, aromatic herbs, and in the finish, mineral notes; on the palate, it is elegant, enveloping, and fresh with a well-integrated tannin that is pleasant with a persistent and inviting finish. It is recommended to pair with medium-aged cured meats, cuts of red meat cooked in stew, and game; interesting also with aged cheeses made from cow and sheep milk. Perfect to accompany the table for celebrations or anniversaries to enjoy an authentic product with rare flavors, an ambassador of a land often underestimated.