2008 Franchetti Rosso

The 2008 Passopisciaro emerges with gorgeous textural richness in its elegant, silky tannins. Despite its considerable concentration, the wine literally floats on the palate with layers of perfumed red fruits. Everything is perfectly balanced in this harmonious, utterly impeccable wine. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. The Etna is one of Italy's most fascinating emerging wine regions and Andrea Franchetti is arguably the area's most fanatical, driven producer. High altitude vineyards, volcanic soils, ancient indigenous grape varieties in Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio and a rediscovery of the uniqueness of these vineyards are among the reasons for the spectacular growth in interest the Etna has seen in recent years. In 2008 Franchetti bottled his single-vineyard Nerello Mascaleses separately, resulting in four new wines, all of which are well worth discovering. The regular Passopisciaro bottling doesn't seem to have suffered, as it is magnificent in this vintage. Importer: T. Edward Wines, Ltd., New York, NY; tel. (212) 233-1504