Contrada P 2020
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
Contrada Porcaria is a micro zone of a vast district located at about 650 meters above sea level, considered one of the most coveted terroir on Etna because of the particularly rich and luxurious wines it produces; it changes aromas continuously, and has an exotic body and an echo of burnt sugar. The land is composed of a thin layer of lava that crumbles under the feet. The vineyard of this Contrada covers 1.5 hectares.
The summer of 2020 was moderate with rains, and generally by the bad weather; at the end of the month July the heat returned, until the rain of 10th of August and finally those of early September.
Later, after the pools of white fermented and all went to the beach with the majestic mountain under the sun, came the rain accompanied by a little hail; A wind from the north blew all night and on the first of October the expected cold fell on the cities and villages.
For nearly a month the sky remained clear and from 14th of October all red grapes began to ripen.
The first to reach the winery was Cesanese d’Affile, more sensitive to the temperatures of mid-October.
It was the 24th of October when, after several tastings in the vineyard, Petit Verdot was also matured, the grapes brought with the aromas of oriental spices and a mixture of crunchy red fruits, with the achievement of maximum balance in the mouth at the dawn of the 26th of October; where we had to call even more harvesters from neighbouring counties to ensure we did not miss the moment.
REVIEWS
Eric Guido, Vinous, 92 points: “The 2020 Contrada Porcaria (P) is dark and inward, as crushed rocks and camphor blow offto reveal spiced cherries and hints of shaved cedar. It’s silky and robust in feel, with bright acidity that adds thrust to its sour red berry fruits, as the 2020 displays an abundance of energy. Fine tannins saturate through the finale under an air inner florals, as a flourish of saline-minerality slowly fades. Drinking Window: 2024 – 2028”
Monica Larner – Robertparker.com, 93points “From a hot and dry vintage, the 2020 Contrada P (with fruit from the Contrada Porcaria at 650 meters in elevation) offers great balance between very fruity aromas that are contrasted against scorched earth and campfire ash. Like some of these wines in the Contrada series from 2020, the alcohol content has climbed upon to 15%. Fruit is from 80-year-old vines, and 3,948 bottles were made.” Drink Date:2023 – 2035
Danielle Callegari – Wine Enthusiast, 94 points Cherries, cranberries, a little vanilla and old leather make for a rich and luxurious if restrained nose on the 2020 Passopisciaro from Contrada Porcaria. The cranberry and cherries are met with freshly turned soil and wild mint and fennel on the palate, with just a fleeting whiff of smoke. Very tightly wound tannins and perky acid make it all feel like a crisp fall day.
BLEND
100% Nerello Mascalese
ALTITUDE
2,100 feet (650 meters)
PRODUCTION
3,950 bottles
