About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Contrada Rampante is Passopisciaro’s highest contrada, at approximately 1,000 m above sea level near the upper limit of viticulture on Mount Etna. Its 1.4 ha vineyard occupies steep terraces supported by dry-stone walls. The approximately 4,000-year-old lava soils are sandier and more oxidized than those of the other contrade. The high elevation makes Rampante the last of the estate’s vineyards to ripen and gives rise to an especially delicate and aromatic expression.
The vines are approximately 120 years old and trained as alberello. Planting density is 8,000 vines per hectare. The 2024 yield was 45 q/ha, equivalent to approximately 4.5 tonnes per hectare. Vineyard treatments comprise clay, propolis, grapefruit-seed extract, sulfur and copper within an organic-viticulture regime.
Grapes
100% Nerello Mascalese.
Vinification
The 2024 grapes were picked by hand on 12 October. Fermentation took place in stainless-steel tanks. The broader Contrade vinification protocol places malolactic fermentation in large oak casks before maturation.
Ageing
Matured for 18 months in large Slavonian oak casks. The 2024 vintage was bottled on 18 February 2026.
Technical data
IGP Terre Siciliane. Alcohol: 14%. Total production: 4,146 bottles.
Tasting profile
Fragrant fresh red fruit is joined by a delicate suggestion of sweet spice. Lively acidity and pronounced savouriness give the palate a juicy, crisp character. The finish is long and persistent, with fine, silky tannins.
Vintage notes
The 2024 season began with clear, settled weather through the end of February, allowing uninterrupted work in the vineyards. A classically warm spring with cool nights avoided late-frost pressure, and flowering proceeded regularly from late May into early June. The hot season then became intensely and persistently dry, requiring night-time irrigation where possible. Rain in early August brought some hail, affecting bunch quality and quantity in lower vineyards, while prolonged drought caused the loss of some vines.
Nerello Mascalese across the estate was gathered in early October. The highest vineyards produced generous, well-filled bunches whose juice suggested balance among body, tannin, acidity and alcohol. Rampante’s parcel was harvested by hand on 12 October.
Label / history
Passopisciaro began bottling its individual contrade separately in 2008. The labels were redesigned in 2009. Contrada R takes its identifying letter from Contrada Rampante.
