“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 among connoisseurs. The small municipality on the eastern slope of Mount Etna is the only place whose white wines are allowed to carry the designation "Superiore" – according to the Etna DOC regulations. Here, in the Contrada Rinazzo, where steep terraces with dry stone walls of black lava look down to the Ionian Sea, Carricante finds perhaps its purest form of expression. At an altitude of 800 metres, just eight kilometres from the sea, the climate is characterised by constant ventilation, plenty of light and striking temperature amplitudes.

The young vines grow in the traditional Alberello system, supported by chestnut poles, with a density of 8,000 vines per hectare. The mineral-rich volcanic sand with a sub-acidic profile and fine grain retains moisture and gives the grapes that unmistakable saltiness that distinguishes Milo wines from all other Etna Bianchi. Hand-picked in mid-October, soft pressing, fermentation at 18 °C with the winery's own yeast. Twelve months on the fine lees with regular bâtonnage, a further six months in the bottle.

Straw yellow with bright green reflections. A bouquet of delicate intensity – orange blossom, ripe apple, underneath dusty minerality and flint. Dry, taut and salty on the palate, with vibrant acidity and a final that gently echoes aniseed and bitter almond. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with a delicate lemon yellow colour. Initially a little restrained on the nose, slightly reminiscent of cold stone, lemon zest, graphite, matchwood and kiwi. Similar flavours on the palate, slightly phenolic, with a delicately bitter final." Falstaff

"The 2023 Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Rinazzo is savoury with a burst of sour citrus, rosemary and wet stones complicating a hint of freshly sliced green apple. It washes over the palate with a savoury mix of crisp fruit and zesty spices. It leaves a hint of grapefruit and a floral finish that tapers off with medium length." Vinous

"The 2023 Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Rinazzo shows a very fine and chiselled quality with dusty minerality and crushed stone framing citrus and unripe peach. The wine relaxes in the glass to reveal elegance and depth with hints of spice, nutmeg and Sicilian bitter almonds, and it finishes with wild sage. I like the linear tautness and energy of this razor-sharp Carricante." Wine Advocate