In the glass
Aroma: white peach, tropical fruit, volcanic mineral, light oak
Palate: stone fruit, lemon curd, saline mineral, hazelnut
Chardonnay at 1,000 metres on Etna's volcanic soils: a rare and singular white - tropical richness undercut by volcanic salinity and a cool high-altitude acidity that gives exceptional freshness.
What it pairs with
-
Grilled swordfish with salsa verde
The wine's full body matches the meaty fish; mineral-savoury finish echoes the herb sauce. -
Spaghetti alle vongole veraci
Saline-mineral character bridges the briny clams; acidity brightens the dish. -
Burrata with Sicilian pistachio pesto
The wine's richness and tropical notes pair elegantly with the creamy cheese.
History
Andrea Franchetti introduced Chardonnay to Etna at approximately 1,000 metres with the Passobianco, inspired by the grape's performance in extreme continental climates. The volcanic soils and altitude produce a white radically different from both Burgundy and low-altitude Sicilian Chardonnay, becoming one of the island's most distinctive white wines.
- 2007 — First Passobianco vintage, establishing high-altitude Etna Chardonnay as a serious proposition
Facts
- Producer
- Passopisciaro (Vini Franchetti)
- Grapes
- Chardonnay
- Classification
- Sicilia IGT
- Oak
- 8 months in large French oak botti (no new oak)
- ABV
- 14.0%
- Price
- €35-55 at retail
- Drinking window
- 3-10 from vintage
- First vintage
- 2007