Passopisciaro is one of the most representative wine-growing areas on the northern slope of Mount Etna, in the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia. The village lies at an altitude of around 645 metres, whilst the vineyards in the surrounding districts generally range from 600 to 1,000 metres, set in a landscape shaped by lava flows, ash and volcanic materials of varying origin and age. This geological diversity creates a complex tapestry of soils, capable of imparting distinct nuances even between neighbouring plots.
The climate combines sunny days, dry northerly breezes and marked temperature variations between day and night. This results in gradual ripening, with crisp aromas, persistent acidity and an elegant aromatic profile. The signature grape variety is Nerello Mascalese, complemented by Nerello Cappuccio for the red wines and by Carricante, the star of Etna’s white wines. Vineyards trained using the ‘alberello’ method are widespread, sometimes on ungrafted rootstock, alongside espalier-trained vines, following practices that combine tradition with agronomic precision.
The estate’s signature wines include Etna Rosso, Rosato, Bianco and Spumante: vertical, refined and terroir-driven expressions that showcase the identity of each individual vineyard. Winemaking often involves hand-harvesting, gentle fermentation and ageing in large-format vessels, to preserve the energy, clarity and depth of the terroir.