In the glass
Aroma: dark blackcurrant, violet, coffee, volcanic mineral
Palate: blackberry, dark chocolate, graphite, iron
Franchetti is the prestige cuvee of the estate: a powerful blend of Petit Verdot and Cesanese d'Affile from Etna's volcanic soils, combining Bordeaux structure with the island's volcanic energy. A wine of exceptional concentration and longevity.
What it pairs with
-
Grilled Sicilian beef tagliata
The wine's dense tannins and dark-fruit power call for the richest beef cuts. -
Slow-cooked osso buco
The wine's body and depth match the richness of marrow-filled slow-cooked veal shank. -
Aged Parmigiano Reggiano at 36 months
The wine's firm tannins and graphite depth pair with the crystalline intensity of aged cheese.
History
Andrea Franchetti, who established Tenuta di Trinoro in Tuscany before turning to Etna, created the Franchetti cuvee as his flagship expression on the volcano. Blending Petit Verdot and Cesanese d'Affile - two grapes rarely seen in Sicily - at altitude above 1,000 metres, the wine became a cult bottling commanding some of the highest prices of any Etna wine.
- 2004 — First Franchetti vintage, merging Bordeaux varieties with Etna volcanic terroir
Facts
- Producer
- Passopisciaro (Vini Franchetti)
- Grapes
- Petit Verdot (50%), Cesanese d'Affile (50%)
- Classification
- Sicilia IGT
- Oak
- 18 months in French oak barriques and botti
- ABV
- 14.5%
- Price
- €100-160 at retail
- Drinking window
- 8-25 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2004