Franchetti 2022
ABOUT THE VINTAGE
Franchetti is a unique blend of Petit Verdot and Cesanese d’Affile; it is grown in contrada Guardiola at 820 meters above sea level. The winemaker’s interpretation of a full bodied wine on Etna. The result is a wine of great concentration, as black as lava and volcanic smoke that flow from Etna.
As soon as the 2021 harvest was over at the end of October, we witnessed a torrential rain that caused a flood, especially in the Randazzo area. Between the end of November and the end of December we saw more rain in all our vineyards, cold temperatures and snow at altitudes of 1.200/1.500 meters a.s.l. A great start to winter that created good water reserves in the soil.
2022 started off with rather cold temperatures. Budbreak was regular, and the spring rains further replenished our water reserves. This fact, combined with the very warm temperatures in early summer, contributed to a rapid development of the canopy.
The vineyards where the grapes for the Franchetti grow are among the ones that are suffering more for climate change. But with a well-timed harvest on September 28th we could preserve freshness and character of petit Verdot and the great concentration and acidity of Cesanese d’Affile.
REVIEWS
Vinous, 94-96 points: “The 2022 Franchetti is dark and brooding in the glass as mentholated herbs and white smoke give way to dried blackberries, earth tones and a hint of white pepper. This is velvety and supple, enveloping the palate with a cloak of ripe red and black fruits as a growing tension develops beneath the surface, mixing salty minerals with fine tannins. Brilliant acidity maintains fantastic balance as the 2022 finishes spicy and long. There’s a classic feel to its structural components, closing with an air of violet inner florals. In 2022, the Franchetti is a blend of 70% Petit Verdot and 30% Cesanese d’Affile. Tasted from barrel.”
BLEND
70% Petit Verdot
30% Cesanese d’Affile
ALTITUDE
820 m asl (2,700 feet)
