2012 Contrada Porcaria
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Tasting notes
The 2012 Contrada P is my favorite wine among Andrea Franchetti's batch of new single-vineyard releases. This is a spectacular expression of Nerello Mascalese (aged in large oak casks for 18 months) that speaks in a loud, clear and beautifully melodious voice. Contrada Porcaria sees 80-year-old vines planted at 600 to 700 meters above sea level. The soils consist of thin layers of lava deposit and sandy ash. The mineral definition here is excellent thanks to flinty tones of crushed granite and pencil shaving. But there is a good amount of soft fruit as well, especially Morello cherry, dried blackberry and cassis. This wine spoke to me. I loved its vigor, personality and polished feel.
Critic scores
Average Score
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Large old domain at 650 m that makes robust wines from particularly friable lava. They own 1.5 ha. Mid to deep ruby. Quite a vegy, savoury appetising nose that seems to have already evolved a bit of complexity. Round, rich, flattering palate entry with real substance. The fruit dominates the soil graininess here until right to the end of the palate. Very slightly brutal and burly compared with some of the higher-land bottlings. (JR)
The 2012 Contrada P is my favorite wine among Andrea Franchetti's batch of new single-vineyard releases. This is a spectacular expression of Nerello Mascalese (aged in large oak casks for 18 months) that speaks in a loud, clear and beautifully melodious voice. Contrada Porcaria sees 80-year-old vines planted at 600 to 700 meters above sea level. The soils consist of thin layers of lava deposit and sandy ash. The mineral definition here is excellent thanks to flinty tones of crushed granite and pencil shaving. But there is a good amount of soft fruit as well, especially Morello cherry, dried blackberry and cassis. This wine spoke to me. I loved its vigor, personality and polished feel. Sep 2015, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Tenuta di Passopisciaro is the Etna estate owned by Andrea Franchetti, one of Italy’s pioneering winemakers who founded the Super Tuscan estate Tenuta di Trinoro, before becoming instrumental in Mount Etna’s wine renaissance with his Passopisciaro estate.