“Contrada Monte Serra” Rosso Etna DOC 2023

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

19132623 · 0,75 l · 58,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

This is where it all began. In Viagrande, on the south-eastern slope of Mount Etna, where Giuseppe Benanti's grandfather planted the first vines at the end of the 19th century, lies the heart of the estate. The Contrada Monte Serra is no ordinary vineyard – it rises on an extinct volcanic cone that once erupted independently of the main crater, and whose pyroclastic deposits created a unique soil: light, rich in mineral matter, with exceptional drainage. At an altitude of just 450 metres, closer to the Ionian Sea than the other Contrade, the grapes ripen earlier here and develop a softer, more approachable elegance. The vines – some over 100 years old – are trained in the traditional "alberello" style on small terraces with dry stone walls made of lava rock, at an extremely high density of 9,000 vines per hectare. The sandy volcanic soils are rich in "Ripiddu", the characteristic small pumice fragments found on Mount Etna.

A bright ruby red with garnet hues. The bouquet is ethereal and spicy – hot tar, crushed stone, herbs, black pepper and sour cherry. On the palate, it is dry and medium-bodied, with lively acidity and pronounced yet refined tannins. Citrus notes and racy red fruit create a whirlwind of energy and dynamism. Soft, elegant and capable of ageing, yet bearing the unmistakable volcanic character of Mount Etna. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red with a lighter rim. A delicate nose of redcurrants and raspberries, followed by notes of leather and a hint of bitter almond. Expansive on the palate, with distinctly complex tannins. A hint of blood orange on the finish. final successful and long final." Falstaff

"Minerally on the nose, with stone, ash and leather notes, plus dried rose petal, sumac and sandalwood aromatics. The plush texture cloaks fine, chalky tannins and carries flavors of wild strawberry puree, mulled cherry, blood orange peel and red licorice that echo on the long, silky finish. Rich yet elegant and harmonious throughout." Wine Spectator