Guide l'Espresso

In the history of Etna, the eruption of 1614 is legendary, as it lasted ten years and is thus to date the longest recorded eruption of the volcano that is still active today. A very impressive and fitting name for Planeta's Etna series of equally impressive wines.

Carricante from Planeta's Etna vineyard is an exceptional growth full of freshness, energy and minerality. This noble grape variety thrives under exclusive conditions, on volcanic soils and at altitudes of 870 metres. A wonderfully complex pleasure that is always released for sale only two years after the harvest. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, rich straw yellow. Opens with fragrant notes of flint, fragrant bergamot, some peach, very appealing. Taut and clear on the palate, lots of juicy peach, so right to bite into, fresh and very good tension, citrus on the final." Falstaff

"Lemon-rind, pear and green-apple aromas follow through to a full body with a round, creamy palate of ripe and dried fruit that comes across mostly tropical. Creamy texture. Really tangy." James Suckling

"Racy acidity drives this lithe white, creating a lip-smacking frame for the expressive flavors of blood orange and white raspberry, slivered almond, petrol and grated ginger. Minerally finish." Wine Spectator

"Decidedly more savory than sweet and flinty as well, the 2018 Carricante Eruzione 1614 sends up a stunning bouquet of dried apricots, grilled orange and hints of white pepper. Its silky and pliant textures quickly gain a more tactile feel, as a mix of bright acids, saline-minerals, tart orchard fruits and sour citrus cascades across the palate. There are depths unseen here, as the 2018 displays a youthful density while remaining lifted, balanced and simply tempting the imagination as to what's to come with further cellaring. A beautiful Etna Carricante with a 10% addition of Riesling that shows tremendous tension. Well done." Vinous

"Delicious, crisp and showing a great depth of flavor, this white from the slopes of Mount Etna doles out juicy yellow apple, peach, wild herb and savory, almost salty, mineral notes. Made with Carricante and 10% Riesling, it has racy acidity, energy and captivating mineral tension before finishing on mouthwatering notes of honeyed lemon drop candy." Wine Enthusiast

"Slightly evolved and showing a deep sense of complexity and textural richness, the Planeta 2018 Sicilia Carricante Eruzione 1614 is yet another reason to love Etna's terrific Carricante grape. That extra time in bottle, tasted now three years after the harvest, produces dusty mineral definition and ashy volcanic tones. The wine is linear and precise with more austerity that raises the bar in terms of its food-pairing potential. A beautiful seafood platter with grilled prawns might do the trick." Robert Parker

Elegant, complex and rich is the pure variety Malvasia from Raccaro. Pleasantly fragrant of broom and iris and with the typical strong and persistent aroma of the grape variety. Salty on the palate, spicy in the final. SUPERIORE.DE

The red Archineri from Nerello Mascalese grapes is full of character and elegant. Very refined bouquet of currants and wild berries, plus a hint of dog roses, stone fruit and ethereal aromas. Very exquisite, very juicy, tasty and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny garnet with copper accent in the rim. Pronounced scent of dried raspberries, cranberry jam, some white pepper and wet stone. Tightens up with fine-meshed tannin, crisp freshness, harmonious in attack and course, very fresh in the drink, keeps coming." Falstaff

"Aromas of woodland berry, Mediterranean scrub, camphor and oak-driven spice shape the nose on this fragrant red. On the tight palate, firm acidity accompanies raspberry jam, orange zest, vanilla and licorice. Firm, grainy tannins leave a puckering, drying close. Give the tannins a few years more years to relax a bit then drink." Wine Enthusiast

Light golden yellow. The dense bouquet exudes the scent of quince and dried apricots, with high viscosity in the glass and on the palate. The high residual sugar is countered by a racy acidity. Orange peel aroma in the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Fine Franciacorta Brut with a new name and in light yellow gold with delicate mousseux. In the nose very complex and intense, characterized by fine ripe yeast notes, after brioche, finely spiced, juicy yellow fruit, some peach and citrus. On the palate complex and powerful, juicy fruit, plus the fresh structure, a seductive minimal extract sweetness in the aftertaste and fine red-berry nuances in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, bright straw yellow. Smells in the nose of wax, vanilla beans, pears, bananas, in the aftertaste clearly of honey, very golden nose. Shows itself on the palate with beautiful fruit and pleasantly integrated perlage, golden, extract sweet fruit, good length, requires a large Burgundy glass". Falstaff

Fresh white from old vines with invigorating citrus scent and notes of mint, rich of tropical fruits, tight and firm, with elegant mineral note on the palate, with fine polish and high complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"A pure expression of oak-aged Carricante, the Graci 2018 Etna Bianco Arcurìa boasts a pretty golden hue and a touch of waxy honey in its luminous appearance. The bouquet opens to preserved lemon, apricot and toasted pine nut. There are hints of exotic spice with cumin and saffron that add more aromatic highlights. The wine sports a slight oxidative or open-knit personality, with candied orange and almond paste, that give this vintage a heavier and fatter overall personality. Mineral notes also appear and help to put the bouquet into better perspective." Robert Parker

"There's a lovely, viscous creaminess to the mouthfeel of this refined, light- to medium-bodied white, carrying a detailed range of Asian pear, chopped hazelnut, lime blossom and grapefruit sorbet flavors. It's vibrant and mouthwatering, with a lasting, mineral-driven finish." Wine Spectator

Black red and almost impenetrable in the glass. On the nose blackberry, black cherry, some rum pot and tobacco. Generous and ripe on the palate, flanked by taut tannin, which is pleasantly flanked by the fleshy core. Once again, Marco Caprai has succeeded in taming the Sagrantino grape and helping it to the highest dignities - a grape variety that demands a great deal of tact every year even from the "bedrock" from Montecalco. SUPERIORE.DE

"Powerful, rich ruby. Shows notes of pickled cherries and plums, lots of tobacco. Lots of ripe berry fruit on the nose, opens up with dense tannin." Falstaff

"The first vintage of Valdimaggio was 2012. Matured in French oak barriques for 24 months, it has brambly hedgerow berry scents followed by an intense mouthful of blackberry, spicy raspberry, damp earth, sweet tobacco and woody notes. Ripe, minty and chocolatey, the grippy tannins take centre-stage on the mid-palate, the finish lengthened by super-fresh acidity and persistent black and red fruits, with just a touch of vanilla bean." Decanter

Precise aromas of ripe red cherries, flint, orange peel, lavender and violets. Silky and juicy on the palate, with a refined but very concentrated extract that almost crushes the taste buds, yet remains lively and not at all heavy, giving beautiful definition and lift to the red cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral flavours. The finish is very deep and long, with very soft tannins, a beguiling perfume and extreme finesse; very Barolo-like. A beautiful, complex wine that shows the elegant side of Nero d'Avola that few producers are ever able to present. SUPERIORE.DE

"The organic Gulfi 2017 NeroSanloré is packed dense at its core and offers a very true portrait of the Sicilian grape from a hot vintage. There is a lot of extra ripeness that is delivered amply across the wine's dark fruit flavors and its soft textural richness. Nero d'Avola is planted across three hectares in reddish sandy soils. Like other wines from this vintage, it delivers a front-loaded effect. In other words, you get a great deal of ripeness and aromatic intensity on first inspection, but the wine is ultimately milder and shorter in terms of finish. However you look at it, this is a versatile, fruit-forward Sicilian red." Robert Parker

"Old tile and ripe berry with some flowers and nuts. Just a hint of dried fruit. Full-bodied with round, succulent tannins and a juicy and tangy finish." James Suckling

"The 2017 NeroSanlorè is the dusty, spicy and elegant beauty of the Gulfi Nero d’Avola range. The bouquet presents a beguiling mix of crushed stone, roses, incense and tart cherries. It’s soft and almost weightless in feel, hovering across the palate with a refined display of red berries and inner florals. A subtle coating of tannin lingers, but does not get in the way as this finishes with sweet minerals and hints of tangerine. Give the Sanlorè a year or two to come further into focus and flesh out a bit more. From the Gulfi crus, this is the vineyard closest to the sea, less than 700 meters away, and at only 10–15 meters above sea level, with vines growing in sandy soils. It is simply stunning." Vinous

1919 is undisputedly the top product among Kettmeir's sparkling wines. Here, the entire expertise of the South Tyrolean company, which produces according to traditional bottle fermentation, unfolds. The Chardonnay base wine matures in wood, the Pinot Nero in stainless steel tanks. Both base wines are then blended and mature for at least 60 months in the bottle on the fine lees. The result is a concert for the senses: complex, multi-layered bouquet of citrus fruits, dried fruit and spices. Bread, smoke and minerals round off the exciting picture. On the palate, we are thrilled by this freshness and depth, which never give the impression that there is too much of everything here, but that everything is precisely dimensioned in its place. Tautness on the palate, a lively personality, fragrance, spice and sensuality are paired with a seriousness and room-filling presence that rightly places the 1919 among Italy's great Spumanti. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, bright light gold with persistent perlage. In the nose very complex, of graphite, matchstick, candied lemon zest, in the reverberation of quince and toasted brown bread. On the palate compact and with crisp melting, dry course, seems very precise, slightly salty, cool fruit with mineral touch, nice arc." Falstaff

"A mature, mouth-filling style of spumante with plenty of bruised-apple, candied-ginger and parmesan-cheese character. Rich and complex palate." James Suckling

"Delicate nose of guava, passionfruit and honeydew melon, bone dry palate of lemon, green apple, peach and lifted, crisp acidity." Decanter

Villa Gemma Montepulciano exudes the scent of blackcurrants and ripe plums after its 24-month ageing in barriques, the strong taste is wonderfully spicy, soft and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"The grapes are harvested in the vineyards of San Martino sulla Marrucina on a single site near the winery's headquarters: Engaging cherry-vanilla aroma; juicy and powerful in the mouth, well structured with fine-grained tannins and exceedingly polished style, jammy and menthol notes characterise the long finish." Vinum

"Dark, almost impenetrable garnet. Very rich nose, of noble wood spice, lime, ripe heart cherries, cassis and some mint in the aftertaste, still needs to settle down a bit. On the palate dense and grippy with currently still strongly perceptible wood spice, thereby delicately drying, yet powerful and mighty, with still some rest excellent foresight." Falstaff

"Polished nose of ripe plums, vanilla, milk chocolate and some dried fruit peel, too. It's full-bodied and creamy with velvety, smooth tannins. Lots of chocolate and plummy layers that are smooth and decadent without being overripe. Will be even better after another two or three years in bottle." James Suckling

"Fragrant fresh and vibrant blackberry and cranberry nose with leather and balsamic undertones. Spicy and vibrant with a big structure and fresh fruit concentration." Decanter

Intense, seductive aroma of sweet spices, tobacco, dark cherries and wild berries. In addition, the perfectly corresponding taste of enormous elegance, fruit richness, complexity, structure and length. A wonderful, dreamlike wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark shining ruby red. Complex and clear nose, finely marked by noble woods, blackberries, blackcurrants, some liquorice and leather. Shows great melting fruit core on the palate, elegant and tightly woven tannin accompanies the course, with pressure and finesse, long final." Falstaff

"A sleek, harmonious red, medium- to full-bodied, with fine-grained tannins enmeshed with flavors of cassis and black cherry fruit, apple wood smoke and bay leaf. The firm finish is well-spiced and lingering." Wine Spectator

"Amazingly fresh and minty, dusty even, the 2017 Merlot Montiano wafts up with hints of candied citrus, wild berries and sage. It's rich, succulent and round, with ripe red and blue berries, minerals and inner animal muskiness. This shows the warmth and dry conditions of the year, yet with refinement. The 2017 finishes with a saturation of primary fruits and spices offset by hints of tangerine and lifting inner florals, while remaining surprisingly mouthwatering, so lively and fresh. Such balance mixed with power and structure makes this an atypical expression of the vintage, and one worth checking out." Vinous

"The wine which, in Cotarella's words was 'a real turning point for me and my profession,' this Montiano Merlot has a lovely concentration without being heavy, and a natural harmony and balance even in a hot, dry vintage like 2017. It has elegant hints of orange peel, iris, spice and cream, with fresh green notes and red berry fruit. A super-smooth, medium-bodied wine with a bright, juicy finish." Decanter

"So much going on here with overtures of blackberries, dark cherries and finer, spicier notes of saffron, paprika and dried cloves. Excellent composure for a vintage such as 2017. The resoluteness of the tannins tames the wild dark fruit here, giving a clear indication of ripeness, but also structure and finesse." James Suckling

"The Cotarella Montiano project is a fluid, ever-changing program that adds focus and intensity with each successive vintage. The Falesco Famiglia Cotarella 2017 Montiano (a celebrated expression of Merlot) is vibrant and spicy with immediate vertical lift and dark fruit intensity. Grapes are sourced from two sites, one with clay soils and one with volcanic soils, so you get textural structure and aromatic lift in this clever blend. Grapes are hand selected, berry by berry, on the sorting table. The wine is redolent of dark fruit and blackberry with a hint of bright mint on the close. To summarize, this is a terrific bottle." Robert Parker

Nastagio (also called Nastasio) is the name of an ancient farmhouse of the Fattoria di Sant'Angelo, which was already recorded in the maps of Grand Duke Leopold. Brunello Nastagio is released six years after the harvest, as if it were a Riserva, and is the result of Col d'Orcia's many years of experience in developing and cultivating the Sangiovese vineyard. It is also the result of the many research chapters that Col d'Orcia has been carrying out with the University of Florence for more than twenty years. The ageing in tonneaux (500 Liters) oak barrels and then in the traditional large "botti" represent an ideal combination between tradition and modernity, while maintaining the essential aspect of longevity.

Ruby red with violet reflections. On the nose, a broad, intense and elegant bouquet. The complex, sweet and ripe aromas are complemented by notes of spices and vanilla. On the palate, a long and enveloping taste, the acidity combines perfectly with the tannic texture, resulting in a wonderful balance. This wine is packed with flavours of blackberries and dark cassis, followed by spices, tobacco and toasted aromas. The finish is long and very appealing - a wine with great power and longevity! SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, dark ruby red. Shows fine nuances of sweet, ripe raspberries, cherries, then of white truffle and undergrowth, also dried rose petal, very inviting. On the palate juicy and with determining pressure, shows tight, pithy tannin, beautiful depth and length, elegant." Falstaff

"This late-release Brunello is not identified as a Riserva. The Col d'Orcia 2015 Brunello di Montalcino Vigna Nastagio (made with organic fruit) opens to dark berry, cherry, plum, potting soil and balsam herb. The wine shows a full-bodied style, although these results are never too dense or compact. In fact, it offers a loosely knit texture with a warm and penetrating fruit profile that is very characteristic of this vintage. The tannins are tight, so give the wine a little extra time." Robert Parker

"A blast of fresh black cherry and black currant fruit is shaded by mineral, vetiver, tobacco and earth flavors in this intense red. Firm, dense and stays long on the tightly-packed finish." Wine Spectator

"This is one of the most powerful and structured Brunellos I have tasted from the 2015 vintage, showing rich, chewy tannins that are polished and poised. It’s full-bodied and chewy, yet focused and pretty. There’s purity of fruit that is very, very impressive. From organically grown grapes. This needs at least three or four years to soften and come together. Best wine ever from here. Better after 2023." James Suckling

Matteo Ascheri shows a fascination for the grape varieties of the Rhône valley and produces every year in extremely small quantities a pure Viognier of the extra class.

Intense straw yellow. Complex bouquet with aromas of apricot, white peach, violet and lavender. Round, full and persistent on the palate with an appetizing, tangy fresh citrus note in a very elegant long finish. This incredibly exciting and multi-layered wine is one of the brightest white wines of Piedmont. SUPERIORE.DE

Fragore 2017, now the second vintage of Donnafugata from the Etna region of Montelaguardia in Randazzo, joins the collection of wine icons Mille e una Notte and Ben Ryè. With only 15,000 bottles, Donnafugata has produced a limited edition treasure. Fragore means thunder in Italian: it refers to the volcanic thunder of Etna, Europe's highest and most active volcano. Grapes of the autochthonous grape variety Nerello Mascalese from selected vineyards were used.

Bright, radiant ruby red. Spicy-floral bouquet of redcurrants, tobacco, nutmeg and violets, plus a delicate flint note. Beautifully complex and elegant on the palate, the finely composed tannins lead each sip into a persistent final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Donnafugata's 2017 Etna Rosso Contrada Montelaguardia Fragore hails from a gorgeous vineyard site in Randazzo with the smoking crater of Etna visible in the background. This wine is perfumed and almost understated, and this comes as surprise, given the scorching hot conditions of this vintage. But those floral perfumes with rose bud and lavender are unmistakable. The wine ends on a soft, silky note." Robert Parker

Capo Martino is a highly elegant blend of Tocai Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia Istriana and Picolit. Delightful golden yellow, complex bouquet with the scent of ripe, local and tropical fruits, slight hint of vanilla. Velvety on the palate, perfectly balanced in taste and of delicate harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

"Our philosophy is anchored in family tradition and closely linked to the borderland in which we find ourselves. A crossroads of Central European cultures that we have always tried to reflect in our wines. Capo Martino expresses these concepts with elegance, body and complexity. We are highly satisfied with the results we have achieved and are constantly investing in innovative projects to constantly improve the quality of our wines and reach new goals." Silvio Jermann

"This has a beautifully creamy texture and bright acidity underneath, with subtle peach, lightly cooked apple and crushed-stone character. Medium-bodied with nicely pitched flavor. A blend of local varieties." James Suckling

The grapes for Christoph Künzli's top wine come from the best small vineyards of the Boca DOC. The soils there consist of humus-poor porphyry of vucan origin with a light red colour and are rich in salts and minerals. This minerality of the soils and the distinctive structure and class of the Nebbiolo grape combine in the winery's flagship to create an expressive, brilliant dream of a wine that has long enjoyed cult status among connoisseurs.

First impression: Aromas of violets, ripe wild berries and pomegranate to balsamic notes, citrus and tobacco. Then fresh cut flowers, sweet red berries, mint, pine and sweet red cherry. Then explosive, taut and wonderfully lively in the drink, with animating acidity, floral aromas and tons of energy. This is a wine that leaves nothing to be desired in terms of complexity, depth and personality. We are more than curious to see how this hammer wine will present itself only in a few years ... SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2016 Boca is every bit as impressive as it was from barrel, but it needs time. The only question is how much. Effusive aromatics soar out of the glass, suggesting a feeling of openness that is not quite there on the palate, where the wine is decidedly austere. The 2016 is a classic Boca laced with expressive small red berry fruits, blood orange, mint and rose petal. It will be magnificent once the tannins relent a bit. Don't miss it!" Vinous

The Sangiovese grapes of this wine come from the vineyard of the Empire of His Royal Highness the Count of Turin, Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy, who planted it in 1935. The soil is a mixture of clay and gravel, rich in marl and rock, which gives the grapes a spectacular minerality. The variations in temperature during the day play a decisive role in developing the finest aromas, which are elegant and complex. The wine, bottled in numbered bottles, is not filtered in order to preserve all the typical varietal notes and characteristics of Sangiovese. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, intense garnet red. Very open and accessible nose, old-style in the best sense, of rhubarb, pomegranate, sour cherry and cherry stones. Relaxed and supple at the base, it opens with a grippy, fine-grained tannin, salty and very long, ripe fruit in the aftertaste". (Place 45 / 100 "Best 100 under 100€) Falstaff

"The 2015 Valdarno di Sopra Vigna dell'Impero offers aromas of candied cherry, blackberry, spice and leather. The finish is on the soft side, and I am assigning a slightly shorter drinking window for this warm vintage as a result. The fruit is concentrated and rich, thanks to the heat of the growing season." Robert Parker

"A tight and focused red with cherry, earth and orange peel. Roses, too. Full body yet very reserved with ultra-fine tannins and a fresh finish. Linear and beautiful. Old vine sangiovese. Shows outstanding potential. " James Suckling

Sauvignon Bianco Rachtl comes from a micro-location of just 0.4 ha. It gets its fine flint and graphite nose from the porphyry soils near Unteraicha in the municipality of Völs. Very subtle on the palate with a fine salt-acid interplay, fresh fruit and a long-lasting finish. If you can call one of the just about 2,000 bottles of this vintage your own, you can consider yourself lucky! SUPERIORE.DE

"A special feature is the occurrence of grey porphyry. The deep soil layers are dominated by sandy-limestone rock flour. The berries are gently pressed after an eight to twelve hour maceration period. Half of the must is matured in Tonneaux barrels and half in large wooden barrels. Finely spicy, still slightly woody bouquet, acacia, mirabelle tart, young pineapple, light berries and blossoms, earthy minerality reminiscent of flint. Very Burgundian style. In the mouth creamy density with a juicy-compact attack, mineral infused, very long and substantial, polished fullness, very serious style with earthy complexity. Well structured, with a very clear texture. Simmers on for ever, beautifully defined." Weinwisser

"Symphonic, from a tiny plot near Fiè allo Sciliar in the Isarco valley. A crescendo of pineapple, lime and kiwi aromas, with notes of rosemary, mint and ginger." Decanter

Riserva di Fizzano has been a Gran Selezione since the 2010 vintage and this excellent debut vintage is a highly authentic top result from Rocca delle Macie. Fragrant of berries and wild herbs, also stylistically impeccable on the palate, of balanced spiciness, warm and with ripe, red fruit aromas. Very racy and long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

The red Archineri from Nerello Mascalese grapes is full of character and elegant. Very refined bouquet of currants and wild berries, plus a hint of dog roses, stone fruit and ethereal aromas. Very exquisite, very juicy, tasty and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny garnet with copper accent in the rim. Pronounced scent of dried raspberries, cranberry jam, some white pepper and wet stone. Tightens up with fine-meshed tannin, crisp freshness, harmonious in attack and course, very fresh in the drink, keeps coming." Falstaff

"Aromas of woodland berry, Mediterranean scrub, camphor and oak-driven spice shape the nose on this fragrant red. On the tight palate, firm acidity accompanies raspberry jam, orange zest, vanilla and licorice. Firm, grainy tannins leave a puckering, drying close. Give the tannins a few years more years to relax a bit then drink." Wine Enthusiast

Camartina presents itself sparkling ruby, with opulent fragrant bouquet of cloves, lots of blackberry fruit, some chocolate. On the palate very much juicy fruit, spicy notes, underlaid by grippy tannin, very clear and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby with violet shimmer. Opened with a fine spicy note of cinnamon and cloves, with some cherry in the background. Juicy and salty in the base and course, opens with a pithy, slightly sandy tannin, firm pressure in the finish." Falstaff

"The 2011 Camartina is rich, layered and exquisite in the glass. Fine, silky tannins provide the backdrop as this super-refined, polished Tuscan red shows off its personality. These hillside vineyards above Greve often yield wines of total finesse. That is certainly the case here. The 2011 Camartina isn't a blockbuster, instead it is a wine that impresses for its balance and overall harmony." Antonio Galloni

"A dense, rich red with dried-berry, orange-peel and chocolate character. Full body, soft, silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish." James Suckling

The area around the small town of Milo is the only vineyard on Etna where an Etna Bianco may be bottled as Superiore - and for good reason: only Carricante may be planted on the steep vineyard, which consists of dozens of small terraces. The vines are grown like a little tree on poles made of chestnut wood. The easterly exposure and the nearby sea allow the grapes to ripen late, thus achieving very constant acidity values and resulting in a white wine of an aromatic finesse and freshness that is unparalleled even on Etna.

Pietra Marina is a single varietal Carricante from vines over 80 years old at an altitude of about 950m from the east side of the volcano. The grapes are harvested every year in October. Bouquet of orange blossom and lychee, elderberry and apples. In the mouth harmonious, balanced, with perfectly integrated acidity and beautiful polish. Distinct character, full of elegance, profound, sensual and with a stunningly clean aroma spectrum. Probably one of the most interesting white wines in Italy! SUPERIORE.DE

"Pale lemon yellow. Beautiful lemon peel and spiced lemon fruit on the nose with stony hints. Fresh and linear and precise. Can age, but already gorgeous. Fine, tactile finish." Jancis Robinson

"The 2016 Etna Bianco Superiore Pietra Marina is more of a whisper than a shout, but it has a lot to say, as its bouquet blossoms with aromas of young peach and mango, evolving further to reveal hints of sage, sugar-dusted almonds and white smoke. Like a veil of pure silk, this slips across the palate, nearly weightless yet stimulating all the same, as salty acids and minerals build tension toward the close, balanced by ripe stone fruits. It's persistent yet juicy, swaying between savory and sweet, while leaving the senses completely refreshed and longing for more. The Pietra Marina is an old-vines selection of Carricante from the Rinazzo Contrada on Etna's eastern slope." Vinous

"This wine has lived many incarnations over the years, yet it remains one of the fundamental bottles to set the parameters for what we expect of a great white wine from Etna. The Benanti 2016 Etna Bianco Superiore Pietra Marina was first produced in 1990, and with over 30 years of winemaking history, this is indeed a historic achievement. Today, fruit comes from the eastern side of Etna from the Contrada Rinazzo at 800 meters in elevation. This is a precise and sharply etched white wine that is driven primarily by volcanic or mineral intensity. There are fruity and floral aromas, but they remain secondary to the ash and crushed stone that is center stage. The results are tight, precise and elegant. This is a gorgeous edition of the celebrated Pietra Marina." Robert Parker

"From 80-year-old Carricante bush vines in Milo village at 950m. When young, it seems to have a margarita-like profile with notes of salty lime, a 'cola gelato' and apple character typical of Mount Etna, and a finish between marzipan and iodine. Long lees-ageing brings texture, and it shines with zesty acidity balancing white-peach fruit. An exceptional match with spicy foods." Decanter