Nerello Mascalese, Red
Sicily, Italy
Year 2016
13% Alcohol
by Vini Franchetti
About
Passorosso is from ancient vines between 80-110 years old and from different terroirs on different lava flows and altitudes.
At Passopisciaro, 2016 gave us even, 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.
The 2016 Passorosso is fresh, fruity, and bright, with ever present minerality. Bright ruby in color, the mineral aromas immediately float from the glass, followed by pepper and bright red fruits. The pepper and minerality continue on the palate, framing a pop of ripe red fruits on the mid palate. The tannins are quite pronounced; along with the acidity, this creates great tension in the mouth and gives way to a long, persistent finish.
Enjoy an aged Passorosso that is seldom available, from one of the best vintages in recent years.
Expert Reviews
- Vinous
- 92
Ian D’Agata
Luminous red. Floral and mineral nuances complement violet and blueberry aromas on the inviting nose. Clean, bright and juicy, this offers vibrant flavors of ripe dark plum, blackcurrant and minerals. A very pretty wine that finishes taut and saline but with building sweetness and intriguing pepperiness. A very pretty Nerello Mascalese that shares aromatic elements typical of Petit Verdots and Cabernet Francs that add to this wine’s overall complexity
- GW
- 91
Gary Walsh, The WineFront
Light and tangy. Fresh raspberry, mint, dried herbs and ash. Only just medium-bodied, etched with acidity, dusty pumice stone tannin, mulch, pomegranate, orange and spice. Dry, but bright, with a sappy crunch to the finish. Wet and cool year feel, though I reckon there’s some further potential with a little bottle age.
Shipping Info
Boccaccio Cellars offers free shipping for 12 or more bottles of wine, or if the value of the wine is over $300. Fixed Shipping $12 Australia wide on wine when you don’t qualify for free shipping. Beer slabs attract a $20 per carton freight cost Australia Wide.
By default orders are shipped via Australia Post, unless you are located in a 3km zone from our store. Please note Australia post do not call prior to delivery, so please do not request this in your order as it is not possible. They also do not deliver during certain times. Their standard times are 9-5 weekdays.