About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Passobianco comes from steep terraces in the Guardiola and Montedolce contrade. The 2024 parcels lie between 850 and 950 m; the broader vineyard description reaches 1,000 m. Chardonnay roots in deep, loose volcanic material composed of pure lava dust and rocks rich in minerals. Intense light, large temperature shifts, altitude and volcanic influence shape the wine.
Grapes
100% Chardonnay.
Vinification
The vineyard is harvested progressively rather than all at once: small sections are picked as their individual clusters reach maturity. In 2024, harvesting ran from 19 August through 11 September. Ten percent of the fruit underwent cold maceration to build aromatic expression; the remainder was pressed as whole clusters to retain freshness and minerality. Alcoholic fermentation took place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks at 22–24°C, followed by malolactic fermentation in concrete.
Ageing
The 2024 wine was matured on its lees without bâtonnage. Ninety percent aged in concrete tanks and 10% in large oak barrels. It was bottled during the waning moon in June 2025. Since the 2014 vintage, Passobianco has spent two years in bottle at the estate before release.
Technical data
The 2024 bottling comprised 43,812 bottles of 0.75 L and 90 magnums.
Tasting profile
Passobianco 2024 has an ample, elegant bouquet combining floral and fruit aromas with restrained pastry notes. Acidity, minerality and body meet harmoniously on the palate. Its broader style is rich yet fresh, bright and layered.
Vintage notes
A cold, clear winter in 2024 was followed by a favorable spring without late-frost damage. Flowering extended from late May into early June. The summer was intensely hot and dry, with irrigation used where possible. Early-August rain brought hail that particularly affected lower vineyards, while prolonged drought caused some vine losses. The Chardonnay nevertheless arrived healthy after meticulous canopy and vineyard management. Picking each plot according to its own maturity produced a fresh, light wine with pronounced acidity.
Label / history
Passobianco deliberately uses Chardonnay rather than Carricante, which is associated with the volcano’s eastern side. The variety was selected as a transparent vehicle for Etna’s altitude, light, temperature variation and volcanic character, with the capacity to evolve in bottle. Four hectares were originally planted after Andrea Franchetti’s arrival on Etna. The first vintage was 2007; earlier releases were presented under the Guardiola Bianco or Guardiola names.
