Questo vino
Vineyard and terroir
Contrada S comes from a 1 ha parcel in Contrada Sciaranuova, at 850 m above sea level on Mount Etna. The Sicilian name sciara nuova means “new lava flow,” referring to the comparatively young flow formed in the 1600s, approximately 400 years ago. Its weathered soil consists of thick lava gravel. The Nerello Mascalese vines are approximately 80 years old and planted at a density of 8,000 vines per hectare. Yield for the 2024 vintage was 30 q/ha.
The vineyard is farmed organically. Treatments comprise clay, propolis, grapefruit-seed extract, sulfur and copper.
Grapes
100% Nerello Mascalese.
Vinification
The grapes were harvested by hand on 5 October 2024. Fermentation took place in stainless-steel vats. Malolactic fermentation occurred after transfer to large oak barrels.
Ageing
The wine matured for 18 months in large Slavonian oak barrels. It was bottled on 17 February 2026.
Technical data
IGP Terre Siciliane. Alcohol: 14.5%. Total production: 2,137 bottles.
Tasting profile
The 2024 has an intense aromatic profile led by ripe black fruit and elegant graphite notes. Concentration and volume on the palate are balanced by enveloping tannins, giving the wine poise and elegance. The broader character of this site combines brightness and aromatic lift with a rich fermented-hay note and a dusty herbal quality.
Vintage notes
Winter remained clear, bright and cold through February, allowing uninterrupted vineyard work. Warm spring days, cool nights and an absence of late frost supported regular flowering between late May and early June. Although downy-mildew pressure remained a concern after the preceding season, the vineyards progressed successfully.
The summer then became intensely and persistently hot, including warm nights, making nocturnal irrigation necessary where possible. Rain in early August brought some hail, which damaged fruit in lower vineyards, while the prolonged drought caused the loss of some vines. Nerello Mascalese was gathered across the estate’s red-wine vineyards from 3 to 11 October; the high-altitude sites produced generous, well-filled clusters expected to balance body, tannin, acidity and alcohol.
Label / history
Passopisciaro began bottling its individual Contrada wines separately in 2008 and changed their labels in 2009. Contrada S expresses the distinct lava flow, altitude and microclimate of Sciaranuova.
