Terre Siciliane - Passopisciaro 2012 (JR17)

Terre Siciliane

Terre Siciliane - Passopisciaro 2012

Country : Italy
Region : Sicilia - Etna
Vintage : 2012
Grape : 100% Nerello Mascalese
Aging : Malolactic fermentation 18 months in large oak barrels
Vineyard age: 70-100 years
Strength : 15.5% vol.
Bottle size : 750ml

Jancis Robinson: 17 / 20
Vivino 2013 reference price (ex-tax) : $508 as at 2021.1.20

Wine Advocate Vintage Charts: Sicilia 2012 (92 pts)
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Beyond the well-known Super Tuscans, Barolo, and Amarone, Southern Sicily harbors many hidden gems.
2012 was a relatively hot year in Sicily, with no rain from May to October. Many wineries in Etna harvested early, but Terre Siciliane felt the grapes weren't ready and took a calculated risk, waiting a few extra days. Providentially, it rained shortly after, resulting in this fine Etna red, praised by JR.
Note: Passopisciaro was renamed Passorosso in 2013, making the 2012 vintage the last under the original name.
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Jancis Robinson (2019.6.21)：17 / 20

"Transparent mid ruby. This looks its age. (Though certainly isn't browning.) Lovely mix of warmth to the extent almost of being charred and, dare I say it, molten – together with the grain-dry finish that characterises fine Etna red, so this is a truly refreshing wine that belies its alcoholic strength. It's not desperately tannic, more fine-grained, but is probably best drunk with food. It was happy with Auvergne saucisson and also a range of cheeses, especially top-quality Gouda, but I could imagine it going happily with fish – though maybe a pretty simply cooked turbot or sea bass. Leaves the palate utterly refreshed. Fine freshness. Bravo!"