The 2016 Etna Rosso Passorosso is the most accessible of the red wines presented by Andrea Franchetti and the team at Passopisciaro in the not-always-easy 2016 vintage. The wine is clean and forthcoming with a nice succession of wild berry and cassis, all framed by spice, tar and toasted aniseed. This wine makes itself immediately available for a pairing with roasted porchetta stuffed with fennel and herbs. The mouthfeel is crisp but compact on the close. Some 47,000 bottles were made.
91 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Issue # 240 - Dec 2018)
Woodland berry, smoke, wild rose and Mediterranean scrub lead the way on this vibrant red. Racy and succulent, the savory, focused palate delivers juicy strawberry, red cherry, star anise and chopped herb alongside polished tannins and bright acidity. A saline note gives it a tangy finish. Drink 2020–2026.
91 points, Kerin O'Keefe, Wine Enthusiast (Dec 2018)
This light- to medium-bodied red shows fine balance, with bright ripe cherry fruit, orange zest and tea leaf flavors. A subtle streak of tarry mineral gains momentum on the chewy finish. Drink now through 2026. 3,917 cases made.
90 points, Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator (Feb 2019)