Contrada P 2016

ABOUT THE VINTAGE

At Passopisciaro, 2016 gave us lean and steadily ripening grapes so that we were able to pick with an exact timing. I would run up every morning to find the same little jump forward in the vineyards then decide to give them another night. I would descend to the winery where the fluid procession of pickups loaded with nerello fruit from all our contradas had resumed.

First, one is surprised by the grapes’ way of ripening on the vine. When grapes have been fermenting for three for three on four days, you begin to see the style of the wine just in time to help it along. Each year carries wine that we have never seen before, their makings not in the year’s weather.

The character of this vintage will be similar across every territory of Italy: wines of 2016 will be smooth because the grapes were ripe; they will be gentle, because taste and color are coming away from the grapes effortlessly. We had no need to push and squeeze in the tank.

At 650 meters above sea level, this famed vineyard produces one of Etna’s richest, most full-bodied expressions of Nerello Mascalese, packed with bramble fruit and mineral flavors.

REVIEWS

International Wine Report, 95 points: “This stunning Nerello Mascalese is sourced from Contrada Porcaria, which is situated at 2,100 feet above sea level, with soils consisting of frail lava sheets. The wine itself is simply striking, as it begins with inviting aromas of dark cherries, black raspberries and pomegranate, woven together with dried florals, spices, dried mediterranean herbs and wet stones which all take shape in the glass. On the palate this is elegant with a gorgeous texture, backed by fine tannins. It is beautifully balanced with outstanding concentration and remarkable finesse leading up the finish. Classy and refined, this is an absolutely brilliant wine from Andrea Franchetti which is already stunning in its youth, yet should certainly go on to have a marvelous future ahead.”

Kerin O’Keeffe, Wine Enthusiast, 94 points: “Wild red berry, dark culinary spice, blue flower, moist soil and flinty aromas escape from the glass. Elegant yet enveloping, the succulent palate evokes crushed raspberry, star anise, truffle and a whiff of Mediterranean herb. Polished tannins and bright acidity provide lithe support and balance. Drink 2021–2028.”

Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator, 94 points: “Creamy tannins lend supple definition to the raspberry coulis, fig cake, rosemary and espresso flavors that ripple on the silky palate of this mouthwatering, medium-bodied red, firming on the lingering finish.”

Ian D’Agata, Vinous Media, 92+ points: “Moderately saturated ruby; this is much deeper in color than the Contrada G from Franchetti. Licorice and tar dominate on the nose and in the mouth, with a more herbal quality to the luscious, showy red/blue fruit aromas and flavors. Rich and round on entry, then ripely tannic and powerful as wines from the Porcaria contrada tend to be. This finishes taut, massive and long. Another beautiful red from Franchetti.”

I Vini di Veronelli 2019, Super Tre Stelle

Join our Newsletter

Please tell us if you are Private, Trade or Media, thanks!

Vini Franchetti