“Contrada Calderana Sottana” Rosso Etna DOC 2021

Benanti Viticoltori | Sicily
Benanti Viticoltori S.p.a. | Via Garibaldi 361 | IT 95029 Viagrande

19133421 · 0,75 l · 56,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping2 units available
Limitation of 3 articles per customer

Different location, different profile: Contrada Calderana Sottana comes from a special place. In the Calderana Sottana subzone, south-east of the summit, where the altitude begins and the soil consists of fine volcanic clay and sand, vines are rooted at over 700 metres, spoilt by the sun early in the morning and shaped by the coolness and high-altitude winds at night – a terroir that favours tension and freshness in equal measure. The 2021 vintage was also restrained in its ripeness in this location, but rich in expression. Vinified from 100% Nerello Mascalese, traditionally grown in Alberello, the wine is aged for around 12 months in tonneaux after controlled fermentation and short maceration. The ageing process is seen as fine work – it shapes and emphasises without overpowering.

In the glass, Contrada Calderana Sottana is a clear ruby red with a hint of lustre, as if the glass itself wanted to resonate. The nose opens with effortless elegance: redcurrants, cherry, rose blossom, later some mineral smoke, lavender and a lively salty trace. Fresh on the palate, with fine grip, lively acidity and present but velvety tannins. The texture is clear, almost linear, yet full of energy, the finish is straightforward, salty-mineral, with a tendency towards stillness and concentration in equal measure. A wine with wonderful expression. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep bouquet with ripe, delicately gelled wild berries, wild cherries and redcurrants, with a hint of floral notes. There are also earthy and floral notes reminiscent of rose bush. A wonderful, elegant, concentrated wine with a clear character of origin." Weinwisser

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

"From the most recent acquisition of the winery 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 and savoury on the palate, with a fruity and oily finish." Luca Gardini