2021 Franchetti

The selection of 2021s from Passopisciaro is atypical of the vintage in the best possible way. Winemaker Vincenzo Lo Mauro did a fantastic job of dealing with the arid warmth of the year and turning out a selection of well-balanced, fruit-centric yet structured wines. In 2021, Etna had to contend with four months of drought and hot temperatures. This resulted in an early harvest for Chardonnay around the last week of August. If anything, the whites suffered more than the reds, with a 40% loss in production. However, for the PassoRosso and Contrada wines, cool fall temperatures and a late harvest helped balance the fruit. The tannins, while more pronounced in the vintage, are beautifully integrated, and each of the Contrade does a fantastic job of communicating terroir. In some cases, I found the 2021s to outperform the 2020s at the same stage while giving the sense that they will evolve very positively. The Franchetti, Passopisciaro’s blend of 70% Petit Verdot and 30% Cesanese d’Affile, may be the exception, showing a seductive elegance and richness in this vintage that will lend well to medium-term cellaring. In the end, the 2021s are not to be missed, and the team of Passopisciaro is doing a superb job honoring Andrea Franchetti’s memory and style.