“Contrada Rinazzo” Bianco Etna Superiore DOC 2023

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

19130523 · 0,75 l · 69,33 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available

Milo. A name that inspires awe amongst connoisseurs. This small village on the eastern slopes of Mount Etna is the only place whose white wines are permitted to bear the designation "Superiore" – as stipulated by the Etna DOC regulations. Here, in Contrada Rinazzo, where steep terraces with dry stone walls made of black lava rock look down towards the Ionian Sea, the Carricante grape perhaps finds its purest expression. At an altitude of 800 metres, just eight kilometres from the sea, the climate is characterised by constant ventilation, abundant light and marked temperature variations.

The young vines are grown using the traditional Alberello system, supported by chestnut stakes, at a density of 8,000 vines per hectare. The mineral-rich volcanic sand, with its sub-acidic profile and fine grain, retains moisture and imparts to the grapes that distinctive salinity which sets Milo wines apart from all other Etna Bianchi. Hand-harvested in mid-October, gently pressed, fermented at 18 °C using the winery's own yeast. Twelve months on the fine lees with regular bâtonnage, followed by a further six months of bottle ageing.

Straw-yellow with bright green highlights. A bouquet of delicate intensity – orange blossom, ripe apple, underpinned by dusty minerality and flint. On the palate, it is dry, taut and salty, with vibrant acidity and a final that leaves a gentle aftertaste of aniseed and bitter almond. SUPERIORE.DE

"A bright straw yellow with delicate hints of lemon yellow. On the nose, it is initially somewhat reserved, with subtle notes of cold stone, lemon zest, graphite, matches and kiwi. On the palate, it displays similar aromas, with a slight phenolic character, and a delicately bitter final." Falstaff

"The 2023 Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Rinazzo is spicy, with an outburst of tart citrus, rosemary and wet stones, complemented by a hint of freshly cut green apple. It coats the palate with a savoury blend of crisp fruits and piquant spices. It leaves a hint of grapefruit and a floral finish that tapers off over a medium length." Vinous

"Compact and mineral-driven, this finely meshed white opens nicely in the glass to reveal flavors of golden apple and persimmon, with accents of preserved lemon, wet stone and smoke. Defined by well-honed acidity, but there's a lightly plush chalkiness to the texture that lends weight and length on the palate." Wine Spectator

"The 2023 Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Rinazzo displays a very refined and intricate character, with dusty minerality and gravel notes framing citrus fruits and unripe peach. The wine opens up in the glass to reveal elegance and depth, with hints of spices, nutmeg and Sicilian bitter almonds, and finishes with a note of wild sage. I like the linear tautness and energy of this razor-sharp Carricante." Wine Advocate