“Contrada Cavaliere” Bianco Etna DOC 2023

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

19130423 · 0,75 l · 60,00 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available

Just under 950 metres above sea level, on the south-western slope of Mount Etna, lies the Contrada Cavaliere, a single vineyard that stands out even in the diverse cosmos of the Etna Contrada. Less rainfall than elsewhere on the volcano, but an abundance of light and dramatic changes in temperature between day and night: conditions that give the Carricante that unmistakable tension for which connoisseurs seek out this contrada. The 50 year old vines are rooted in volcanic sands with a sub-acid profile and rich in skeletons – a soil that forces the plant to root deeply and guarantees low yields of just 6,000 kg per hectare. The grapes are harvested by hand in October, gently pressed and fermented in stainless steel using the estate's own Etna yeast. The wine then rests for twelve months on the fine lees, stirred regularly, followed by a further six months of bottle ageing.

Pale straw yellow with greenish nuances. A bouquet of intense sophistication – orange blossom, ripe apple, including the characteristic flinty tone that betrays its volcanic origins. Dry and mineral on the palate, with vibrant acidity and salty depth that flows seamlessly into a finish of aniseed and sweet almond. Precision and elegance in perfect balance. A Contrada wine that shows why Etna's terroir mosaic is so fascinating. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2023 Etna Bianco Contrada Cavaliere shows a stony or salty note right at the beginning and is initially restrained, but gains in intensity and focus. In the middle of the palate it shows a moment of softness, but this is relative given the sharper contours of the Carricante, which always tastes angular, firm and tense." Wine Advocate

"A sweet and floral blend of wildflowers, apricots and wet stones forms an inviting bouquet as the 2023 Etna Bianco Contrada Cavaliere comes together in the glass. It is luxuriously round and cool, with tantalising acidity and crisp white stone fruit that caresses the senses. It finishes with fantastic length and a gentle mineral saturation, while hints of sour citrus and spice slowly fade." Vinous