Contrada S 2020
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
Contrada Sciaranuova is located at 850m a.s.l. The name means “new casting” in Sicilian, indicating the recent geological age of the casting formed just 400 years ago. The wine is deep, broad in complexion, with a note of fermented hay. The vineyard covers 1 hectare of surface.
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, 96 points: “The 2020 Contrada Sciaranuova (S) is deeply alluring, almost sultry, with an herbal tinged to its bright cherry-berry bouquet, along with hints of animal muskiness that keep me at the edge of the glass. The earth-inspired mix continues on the palate, yet blends with exotic inner florals, citrus-tinged red fruits and energizing acidity. There’s simply so much going on here, and yet the balance is perfect, as the 2020 tapers offlightly structured with a burst of inner sweetness and hints of salted licorice that linger. Wow. While this will age evenly, it’s also worth checking in on early to enjoy its primary nature. The vines of Sciara Nuova grow at 850 meters in soils of volcanic gravel. Drinking Window: 2024 – 2032”
Monica Larner – Robertparker.com, 93points “The Vini Franchetti 2020 Contrada S sees its fruit sourced from the popular Contrada Sciaranuova at 850 meters in elevation. The vines are 80 years old on average. It is spicy and tart with plenty of white pepper, medicinal herb and wild berry. The wine continues to offer that slightly spicy quality to the palate with dry tannins and lots of blackcurrant. This vintage saw only 2,040 bottles released. Drink Date:2024 – 2035”
Danielle Callegari, Wine Enthusiast, 95 points Passopisciaro’s Sciaranuova contrada gives life to a wine with length and depth with a nose of cherries, strawberries, rhubarb, bricks and gunpowder, but also hints of fennel and wild mint. Berries, bitten lip and sour plum skin plus some spicy peppery heat amped up by alcohol results in a welcoming, floral warmth.
BLEND
100% Nerello Mascalese
ALTITUDE
850 m asl (2,750 feet)
PRODUCTION
2,045 bottles
