Benanti

Strong apricot with a sparkling core. In the nose apricot yoghurt, ripe peach, some lime. Well-balanced with a great draught, slightly noticeable tannin in the mid-palate, opens beautifully wide and fruity, ends with powerful pressure in the final and yet always remains mineral-elegant. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright strawberry pink. Wet stone and graphite on the nose, hints of broom and cherry on the finish. Fresh and salty on the palate, with elegant tannin structure, fun to drink." Falstaff

Sparkling ruby red, intense and appealing mineral scent of plums, orange zest, ripe raspberries and a hint of liquorice in the background. On the juicy palate, elegant tannin and a delicious fruit melt. SUPERIORE.DE

"A vivid blend of crushed cherries and strawberries offset by dusty and rose and spice wafts up from the 2020 Etna Rosso. This is round with a pretty inner sweetness and lifted textures, showcasing ripe red and blue fruits over a core of vibrant acidity. It lingers long yet is only lightly tannic, with a flourish of licorice that echoes on. This is a fantastic Etna Rosso and introduction to the house style." Vinous

"Strawberries, black pepper and crushed rocks show on the nose of this wine, with hints of vanilla and mint. On the palate, there are flavours of strawberries, freshly ripened cherries with biting skin and earth, underlined by the saltiness of crushed rock and the metallic hint of iron. This wine also has firm tannins and bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

Sparkling ruby red, intense and appealing mineral scent of plums, orange zest, ripe raspberries and a hint of liquorice in the background. On the juicy palate, elegant tannin and a delicious fruit melt. SUPERIORE.DE

Etna Bianco is made from the indigenous Carricante grape. A beguiling blend of aromas of fruit, minerals and roasted nuts, plus a fresh, round taste, good acidity and with a delicate sweetness in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Woodsmoke and burning leaves flicker on the nose before darker peach notes, pennies, soil and the perfume of bergamot emerge. The palate is alive with an almost Sichuan peppercorn-style buzz, then lemons and peaches and finally more smokiness. Mouth coating but still restrained and delicate." Wine Enthusiast

Benantis Etna Bianco made from 100% Carricante is a delicately perfumed expression of Carricante with gentle mineral notes, white flowers and light aromas of peach or nectarine. The true protagonist, however, is the carefully measured volcanic tones of ash and smoke. The bouquet will become more refined with a year or more of bottle ageing. Fresh and round in the drink, great acidity and saline vein, a subtle sweetness in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Nerello Cappuccio with dried flowers, cherries and spices in the bouquet offers elegant pleasure. Medium-bodied, delicate and ethereal on the finish. A fascinating interpretation of the autochthonous grape variety of Etna. SUPERIORE.DE

"This 100% Nerello Cappuccio, a grape usually used to blend with Nerello Mascalese, shows the juicy fruit allure of the variety. It opens with aromas of black skinned berries, dark spice, Mediterranean scrub and blue flowers while the soft, rounded palate doles out fleshy Morello cherry, white pepper and just a hint of tobacco. A salty note backs up the close, and lithe tannins provide seamless support." Wine Enthusiast

Nerello Cappuccio with dried flowers, cherries and spices in the bouquet offers elegant pleasure. Medium-bodied, delicate and ethereal on the finish. A fascinating interpretation of the autochthonous grape variety of Etna. SUPERIORE.DE

"Always a pleasure to taste, the 2020 Nerello Cappuccio by Benanti is one of the few varietal bottlings I have encountered of this native variety. It's dark and floral with a whiff of sweet spice that accentuates its black cherry and wild berry fruits. Round and juicy on the palate, it impresses further with depths of ripe red and fruits and sweet herbal tones as a subtly coating of grippy tannins amasses toward the close. The 2020 finishes with medium length yet leaves a big impact, slightly chewy and with a tart raspberry twang. Very nice." Vinous

Nerello Cappuccio with dried flowers, cherries and spices in the bouquet offers elegant pleasure. Medium-bodied, delicate and ethereal on the finish. A fascinating interpretation of the autochthonous grape variety of Etna. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of watermelon, slightly sour cherries and crushed stones follow through to a medium body, with bright acidity yet a creamy and round-textured tannic structure. Already delicious now but even better in a couple of years." James Suckling

The Nerello grapes (100% Mascalese) come from the northern slope of Etna from plots of the Contrada Dafara Galluzzo in the Rovittello district. Opens in a delicate ruby red, the nose then fine, heady, spicy, it reveals a pretty basket of red fruits after a few minutes of aeration. Initially closed on the palate, it only gradually reveals its flavour facets, then medium pressure in the middle, at the same time very finely structured and with almost Burgundian finesse and elegance. The finish is harmonious and of excellent length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright red; flowery, inviting; delicate approach, very fine wine, round, fine tartness, drinky, pleases well." Merum

"Bright, light garnet red with orange reflections. Lots of red fruit on the nose, slightly herbaceous in the finish. Juicy and fresh on the palate, with traction and elegance, well balanced, long final, still has a lot of potential." Falstaff

"This expressive red wine begins with an overtone of tarry minerals and sage, a fragrant thread that winds through flavours of baked raspberries and currants with hints of red liquorice and spiced orange peel. Dense tannins pull the flavour profile together towards the firm, mineral finish." Wine Spectator

"Dusty florals combine with black raspberries and clove as the 2020 Etna Rosso Contrada Dafara Galluzzo smolders up from the glass. This is soothingly soft and supple on the palate, based on the purity of the fruit. Mineral underpinnings add tactile grip. It finishes perfumed and structured, with edgy tannins that pinch at the cheeks as strawberry and balsam herbs nuances resonate. Patience will be required for this lovely Etna Rosso to come into focus fully." Vinous

"Lively and red-fruited with aromas of cranberries, sour cherries, dried herbs, mushrooms and orange peel. Medium-bodied with fine, powdery tannins. Limey and stony finish. Tightly wound. Better after 2023." James Suckling

Benanti's new red comes 100% from the small vineyard (Contrada) Cavaliere. The vineyards in the municipality of Santa Maria di Licodìa develop at considerable altitudes (about 900 m above sea level) with favourable conditions for all indigenous varieties, both red and white berries, grown here with Guyot pruning. Here, both the Nerello and the Carricante produce wines with a well-defined structure and varietal aromas.

Radiant ruby red. Ethereal bouquet full of spice and hints of red fruits. On the palate, medium-bodied, multilayered and with a fine tannin and acid wire that complete its elegance and harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of crushed red cherry, rhubarb and fresh thyme. Medium-bodied with fine, slightly dry tannins. Lovely herbal character here, then minerals taking over the palate towards the end." James Suckling

This elegant and very harmonious red comes 100% from the small vineyard (Contrada) Cavaliere on the south-western slope of Etna. The vineyards in the municipality of Santa Maria di Licodìa develop at considerable altitudes (about 900 m above sea level) with favourable conditions for all indigenous varieties, both red and white berries, which are grown here with Guyot pruning. Here, both the Nerello and the Carricante varieties produce wines with a well-defined structure and varietal aromas.

Radiant ruby red. Ethereal bouquet full of spice and hints of red fruits. On the palate, medium-bodied, multilayered and with a fine tannin and acid wire that complete its elegance and harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

"A lovely nose of crushed red cherries, fresh roses and crushed herbs. Medium-bodied with firm yet elegant tannins. Well balanced, with a pleasantly nuanced and subtle approach. Sour cherry and green strawberry. Still a bit tight. Best after 2025." 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 pulled up 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. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Etna Bianco Contrada Rinazzo is youthfully understated, with a delicate blend of white flowers and chamomile forming its bouquet. This is softly textured and mineral in style, showcasing ripe apricot and Asian pear with pretty inner florals that develop toward the close. Spice and mint linger as the 2020 tapers off with a youthful tension." Vinous

"Bright, light golden yellow. In the nose of orange blossom and ripe apple, then slightly of Mediterranean maquis. Fresh and very juicy on the palate, harmonious and elegant, of aniseed and almond, with a long and mineral final." Falstaff

"It has aromas of lemons, sliced apples, fennel and jasmine. It's smooth, bright and elegant, with medium body and lemony acidity. So fresh." James Suckling

This elegant and very harmonious red comes 100% from the small vineyard (Contrada) Cavaliere on the south-western slope of Etna. The vineyards in the municipality of Santa Maria di Licodìa develop at considerable altitudes (about 900 m above sea level) with favourable conditions for all indigenous varieties, both red and white berries, which are grown here with Guyot pruning. Here, both the Nerello and the Carricante varieties produce wines with a well-defined structure and varietal aromas.

Radiant ruby red. Ethereal bouquet full of spice and hints of red fruits. On the palate, medium-bodied, multilayered and with a fine tannin and acid wire that complete its elegance and harmony. SUPERIORE.DE

"Firm, somewhat Mediterranean-herbal scent of black and red berries with cherry nuances, hints of leather, dried mushrooms and peppery-ethereal spice. Ripe, tight, very juicy, rather dark fruit with cocoa and coffee notes, crumbly sandy, ripe tannin, some bite, persistent and dense on the palate, again dark ethereal spice, has power and some warmth but also some elegance, good depth, salty mineral tones, very good, firm, juicy and spicy finish." Wein-Plus

"Fresh flowers with oranges and black cherries and blackberries. Very clear aromas. Subtle and complex. Full-bodied but not heavy with firm and structured tannins. Powerful and muscular, yet very agile. It needs another three or four years to develop, but is already impressive." James Suckling

"The Benanti 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Cavaliere is powerful and bright with plenty of primary fruit reminiscent of raspberry and redcurrant with a hint of white pepper. This vintage delivers a very clean and immediate quality of fruit that is crisp, biting and even crunchy in texture. The style of winemaking is focused and very precise. One can be curious to see where this wine will develop in three to four years. The way it tastes today, it definitely needs more time in the bottle." Wine Advocate

Benanti's new red comes 100% from the Monte Serra vineyard (Contrada) and from Nerello Mascalese vines that are about 13-100 years old. The maximum production per year is just 6,000 bottles. It delights with its lively taste and silky texture with beautiful cassis notes, enormous energy and terrificminerality and ends in a wonderfully long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clear, more red than black berry nose with nutty aromas, some dried flowers, a touch of tobacco, hints of tar and tomato essence. Ripe, tart, tightly knit, yet transparent fruit, restrained nutty aromas, some cocoa and pepper, herbal nuances, some acidity bite and ripe, fine, quite present tannin, persistent on the palate, lots of salt, tobacco and smoky nuances, very good, firm finish." Wein-Plus

"The Etna Rosso Contrada Monte Serra 2021 is dusty, floral and yet delicate. It smells of red fruits and spices with rose nuances. It flows easily across the palate, soft and round, gaining traction from a core of mineral, tart cherry and strawberry tones. A crisp cranberry lingers along with edgy tannins and a touch of residual acidity that provides a nice freshness. This is a beautiful interpretation of Monte Serra." Vinous

"The Benanti 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Monte Serra (with fruit from the Viagrande side of the volcano) shows a floral and slightly more fragrant side of Nerello Mascalese. It is packed with red berries and little details in the background reminiscent of volcanic rock, mountain herbs and dried lavender. On the palate, the wine is straightforward and linear with very fine and dusty tannins." Wine Advocate

"Fine garnet red. Animating, elegant aroma of cherry and currant, fresh herbs, spice in the aftertaste. Strong structure on the palate, noticeable acidity and present tannin, powerful, fruity final." Falstaff

"Aromas of fresh plums, peaches and nectarines with some lemon blossom. Some caramel. Full-bodied yet unobtrusive with wonderfully fine-textured tannins that open up on the palate. Oranges at the end with some candied lemon." James Suckling

The Nerello grapes (100% Mascalese) come from the northern slope of Etna from plots of the Contrada Dafara Galluzzo in the Rovittello district. Opens in a delicate ruby red, the nose then fine, heady, spicy, it reveals a pretty basket of red fruits after a few minutes of aeration. Initially closed on the palate, it only gradually reveals its flavour facets, then medium pressure in the middle, at the same time very finely structured and with almost Burgundian finesse and elegance. The finish is harmonious and of excellent length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Here is a Benanti entry that comes from a rather unknown Contrada. The 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Dafara Galluzzo is located in Castiglione di Sicilia on the north side of the volcano. The wine shows a medium-light appearance with spicy volcanic notes of ash and campfire surrounded by delicate fruit, sour cherry and cassis. The wine has fine tannins with dusty impressions that come from the volcanic environment. This gives the wine an approachable personality." Wine Advocate

"Aromatic and bright with notes of orange peel and watermelon, but also some cherry. Medium body, with firm and medium soft tannins that are long and flattering." James Suckling

"The 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Dafara Galluzzo is exotic and floral, with a burst of ashen stone and dusty rose giving way to dried black cherries. Silky and soothing, it flows across the palate with a pure blend of red and blue fruits propelled by juicy acidity. This finishes structured and long yet perfumed, leaving violet and lavender tones to fade over a bed of fine-grained tannins. The Dafara Galluzzo is a real charmer, yet further cellaring is recommended." Vinous

Text to follow shortly. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of cherries, oranges and flowers with a hint of smoke. Medium to full body with plush, open and velvety tannins that caress the palate. It is juicy and full of flavour. Enticing to taste even as a young wine, but it will be much better in two or three years." James Suckling

"From the winery's recent acquisition in the municipality of Castiglione, on the northern slope of Mount Etna, a Nerello Mascalese of great freshness and verticality. Notes of cranberry on the nose, hints of laurel, then Mediterranean scrub and nutmeg, salty-spicy on the palate, with a fruity-oily return." Luca Gardini

Benanti's new white comes 100% from the small vineyard (Contrada) Cavaliere. The vineyards in the municipality of Santa Maria di Licodìa develop at considerable altitudes (about 900 m above sea level) with favourable conditions for all indigenous varieties, both red and white berries, grown here with Guyot pruning. Here, both the Nerello and the Carricante produce wines with a well-developed structure and varietal aromas. The vines, which are about 50 years old, stand on sandy volcanic soil that is rich in minerals. The climate is alpine, low in precipitation and provides the vines with a high degree of ventilation and very large temperature differences between day and night.

Straw yellow with bright green reflections. The bouquet is intense, rich, generous and delicately fruity with hints of orange blossom and ripe apple. On the palate dry, mineral, harmonious with a pleasant acidity, aromatic pressure and an interesting aftertaste of aniseed and almonds. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Benanti 2021 Etna Bianco Contrada Cavaliere shows a layer of citrus at first, then bitter almond and unripe peach. The bouquet is mostly neutral in character at this young stage with a subtle, slow-moving evolution in the glass. It shows a luminous golden color with greenish highlights. The finish is very clean, ending with a pronounced mineral character. The Contrada Cavaliere is found on the southwest side of the volcano in Santa Maria di Licodia at 950 meters in elevation. You should count on some pretty aromatic evolution with this bottle in the next years to come." Wine Advocate

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 pulled up 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. SUPERIORE.DE

"Medium straw yellow with light reflections. In the nose ripe pear and peach as well as grapefruit, paired with the scent of jasmine. Fresh and persistent fruit notes on the palate, with medium acidity and a long final." Falstaff

"Intense, sparkling straw yellow. In the nose very exotic of papaya, mango and banana, in addition delicate flower, cold smoke in the aftertaste. On the palate with fine fruit melting and well-integrated acidity, compact, again exotic fruit, in the aftertaste delicately animating." Falstaff

"This wine is very straightforward and dense, it definitely needs a few more years in the bottle to develop and evolve. At this young stage, the Benanti 2021 Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Rinazzo focuses on citrus, green melon and Granny Smith apple. Give this wine another year or two in bottle to develop some of those beautiful Carricante tones of flint, gravel and yellow roses." Wine Advocate

"A magnetic Carricante in purity from the commune of Milo, refined in steel. Very complex on the nose, with notes of yellow flowers, bergamot, fresh thyme, a hint of white melon and a touch of iodine. Spicy-sweet on the palate, with a fruity-oily finish." Luca Gardini

Sparkling wine aged on the lees in bottle fermentation from 100% Nerello grapes from high altitudes on the southern slopes of Mount Etna. The vines are between 10 and 20 years old and are trained in the cordon system with spur pruning. They stand on sandy, volcanic mineral-rich soils.

Fine salmon pink with ruby reflections. Restrained, fine perlage, intense and delicate bouquet of red fruits. Firm, dry, medium-bodied on the palate, supported by a well-proportioned acidity, with a subtle tannin streak on the finish. Vibrantly fresh and highly distinctive! SUPERIORE.DE

"Sour cherries and savory herbs mingle with nuances of cracked chalk as the 2019 Brut Rosato Metodo Classico Lamorèmio opens in the glass. This washes across the palate with a silken bead of bubbles as pretty inner rose and notes of sour cherry collect toward the close. The 2019 tapers off potent and long, leaving nuances of licorice and a caking of salty minerality. The Lamorèmio, a varietal Nerello Mascalese in sparkling form, is a total pleasure to taste." Vinous

After almost thirty years of experience in the vinification of the famous Etna Rosso "Rovittello", the Benanti family decided in 2015 to extend the vinification, ageing and refinement of the wine to 60 months. The result is an exclusive Riserva, produced in small growthfrom vines more than 100 years old in plot no. 341, which is rightly considered one of the best reds in the region. The Nerello grapes (85% Mascalese/15% Cappuccio) come from a terraced vineyard (pre-phylloxera) in the Contrada Dafara Galluzzo in the upper area of Rovittello, part of the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia.

Pale ruby with light garnet tones. Fine, ethereal, floral, intense, spicy, delicate bouquet with hints of ripe fruit, young tanned leather and cedar. Firm, powerful on the palate, opening up only gradually and then revealing bit by bit its depth and secrets, marked by impressive weightlessness and elegance. An extremely harmonious red with meditation potential - mineral and of remarkable persistence! SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red with garnet reflections. Nose with notes of small red fruits, currants, cherries, nectarines and slightly wilted red flowers, mineral final. Mineral and taut on the palate, leaving a pleasant fruity trail. Pleasant to drink." Falstaff

"Aromas of redcurrants, berries, soy, spice and ash follow through to a full body with round and polished tannins that are beautifully crafted and poised. Very fine-grained, silky texture. Persistent and beautiful." James Suckling

After almost twenty years of experience in the vinification of the famous Etna Rosso "Serra della Contessa", the Benanti family decided in 2015 to extend the vinification, ageing and refinement of the wine to 60 months. The result is an exclusive Riserva made from 85% Mascalese and 15% Cappuccio, sourced in small growthfrom vines over 100 years old (pre-phylloxera) from plot no. 587, and rightly considered one of the best reds in the region.

Bright ruby red with light garnet reflections. Ethereal and intense on the nose, with hints of wild berries, spices, precious wood and traces of white smoke. Full-bodied, elegant, harmonious, minerally and of terrificelegance and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ruby red with a slight tendency towards garnet. On the nose notes of ripe red fruits, strawberries, raspberries and wild strawberries, with a hint of sweet spices on the final. Full-bodied and pronounced on the palate, with well-integrated tannins. Slightly spicy finish." Falstaff

"The second vintage of this Etna Riserva, made from a small parcel of ungrafted centenarian vines in Contrada Monte Serra on the southeast slope of Etna at 500m. Fragrant, intense and rich, it combines potpourri and black cherry scents with mouth-coating tannins and big acidity on the fresh, balanced and chewy palate. It finishes with floral and chocolatey notes. This is a big wine which deserves time in the cellar before broaching." Decanter

"The 2016 Etna Rosso Serra della Contessa Particella No. 587 Riserva is dark and savory in the glass, grumbling up with notes of crushed rocks and ash that evolve further to reveal musky black currants, hints of licorice and dried violets. This is velvety-smooth, yet not weighty in feel. Instead, the 2016 seems to glide effortlessly across the palate, yet what it leaves behind is a saturation of primary fruit and mineral tones, as well as silky tannins that penetrate deeply. The Serra della Contessa finishes structured yet long and unexpectedly fresh, with balsam herbs and a touch of salted licorice that slowly fades. This Etna Rosso is a powerhouse, but it is in need of cellaring to reveal all of its charms." Vinous

"Complex nose of sandalwood, cloves, dried cherries, cranberries, potpourri, incense, pine cones and crushed stones. It's medium-bodied with bright acidity and a spicy, polished and structured palate. Very fine tannins. The wood is a little obvious at the moment. Old-vine nerello mascalese with some nerello cappuccio. Try from 2024." James Suckling

After almost twenty years of experience in the vinification of the famous Etna Rosso "Serra della Contessa", the Benanti family decided in 2015 to extend the vinification, ageing and refinement of the wine to 60 months. The result is an exclusive Riserva made from 85% Mascalese and 15% Cappuccio, sourced in small batches from vines over 100 years old (pre-phylloxera) from plot no. 587, and rightly considered one of the best reds in the region.

Bright ruby red with light garnet reflections. Ethereal and intense on the nose, with hints of wild berries, spices, precious wood and traces of white smoke. Full-bodied, elegant, harmonious, minerally and of terrificelegance and length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Crushed rocks, rose petals and dried strawberries form a dusty and darkly alluring bouquet as the 2017 Etna Rosso Riserva Serra della Contessa grumbles up from the glass. It's silky-smooth and elegant in style. Polished red fruits and mineral tones add traction under an air of violet inner florals. Hints of sour citrus combine with a bump of residual acidity to add balance, even as grippy tannins clamp down hard through the long and structured finale. Today, the 2017 is primary, yet its potential is very high." Vinous

"What fantastic aromas of dried flowers, cloves, smoke and cherries. The wine is medium-bodied with creamy and round tannins that are polished and beautiful. Flavourful. Already drinkable, but it will age beautifully." James Suckling

After almost thirty years of experience in the vinification of the famous Etna Rosso "Rovittello", the Benanti family decided in 2015 to extend the vinification, ageing and refinement of the wine to 60 months. The result is an exclusive Riserva, produced in small batches from vines more than 100 years old on plot no. 341, which is rightly considered one of the best reds in the region. The Nerello grapes (85% Mascalese/15% Cappuccio) come from a terraced vineyard (pre-phylloxera) in the Contrada Dafara Galluzzo in the upper area of Rovittello, part of the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia.

Pale ruby with light garnet tones. Fine, ethereal, floral, intense, spicy, delicate bouquet with hints of ripe fruit, young tanned leather and cedar. Firm, powerful on the palate, opening up only gradually and then revealing bit by bit its depth and secrets, marked by impressive weightlessness and elegance. An extremely harmonious red with meditation potential - mineral and of remarkable persistence! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Etna Rosso Riserva Rovittello blossoms in the glass with a remarkably pretty blend of roses, lilac and violets before giving way to dried strawberries and sweet smoke. This is surprisingly round and juicy up front, propelled by vibrant acidity, with crisp red and blueberry fruits that cascade across its stern mineral core. A tinge of sour citrus comes together with lavender and tart blackberries as the 2017 finishes lightly structured and refined. While this rendition of the Rovittello Riserva may drink a little younger than past vintages, it is a truly lovely wine with the balance for a long and steady evolution." Vinous

"Wonderfully perfumed with fresh flowers like hibiscus and cherry and watermelon character. Also gravel. Medium body, firm and silky tannins with brightness and tension. Some smoke and tar on the finish. Still a little reserved. Drink it after 2025." 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 pulled up like a little tree on poles made of chestnut wood. The easterly exposure and the nearby sea allow the grapes to ripen late, resulting in consistently high acidity levels and a white wine with 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. Distinctive character, full of elegance, profound, sensual and with a stunningly clean aroma spectrum. One of the rarest and certainly most interesting white wines in Italy! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Etna Bianco Superiore Pietra Marina captivates with a savory blend of crushed rocks, raw almonds and musky dried apricot. It's deeply textural with a saline tinge to its orchard fruits and brisk acidity that maintains energy throughout. The 2018 leaves a lemon and mineral twang through the long, lightly structured finale as hints of liquid stone linger. The PietraMarina is currently wrapped up tight with youthful poise, yet it should blossom beautifully in a few years." Vinous