“Pietra Marina” Bianco Etna Superiore DOC 2021

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

19130121 · 0,75 l · 166,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shippingavailable immediately

Only white wines from Milo, on the eastern flank of Mount Etna, are permitted to bear the "Superiore" designation. Giuseppe Benanti has been keen to demonstrate the potential of Carricante there since 1988. After two experimental vintages, 1990 was the first year the estate bottled a wine, and this wine was one of the first two it brought to market. The name of this wine evokes volcanic landscapes, flint, minerals and salty sea breezes. The vines are situated at an altitude of around 800 metres, facing east towards the Ionian Sea: old bush vines trained on chestnut stakes, on small terraces with dry stone walls made of lava rock, in mineral-rich volcanic soil. The wine comes from the uppermost part of the vineyard, where the altitude slows down ripening. It is damp and rainy; it snows in winter, the wind blows constantly, and there are significant differences between day and night. What ripens slowly there retains its acidity, freshness and delicate aromas.

Harvesting begins in mid-October, carried out by hand using only selected grapes. After destemming, the berries are gently pressed; only the juice that runs off naturally is fermented, for around two weeks in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature. The yeast comes from the vineyard; Benanti selected it specifically for Carricante. The wine then remains in stainless steel tanks for thirty months until bottling, resting on the fine lees which are stirred regularly, and is left to mature for a further twelve months in the bottle.

Pale yellow with a greenish tinge. The nose is intense, rich and complex, only moderately fruity, with orange blossom and ripe apple coming to the fore. On the palate, it is dry and mineral, of medium body, with pleasantly high acidity and salty notes. The finish is long, with a hint of aniseed and almond. Two and a half years in the tank and a year of bottle ageing have not smoothed this wine out, but rather sharpened its character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with a golden sheen. A complex nose of yellow stone fruit, reminiscent of vineyard peaches, with notes of blossom honey, beeswax and a hint of cold smoke. On the palate, it is salty and straightforward, precise and lively, with a salty, lingering finish." Falstaff

"A restrained wine with aromas of smoke, subtle kerosene, lime peel, lemon leaves, wet stones and broom flowers. Savory and tight-knit, with a light to medium body, zesty acidity and a substantial palate showing intensity and length. Very focused despite its structure." James Suckling

"The 2021 Etna Bianco Superiore Pietra Marina is a total pleasure, with aromas of ripe apricots, peaches, chamomile, citrusy spice and hints of wet stone. A pretty inner sweetness and silken textures lead to tart orchard fruits and crunchy minerality on the palate. The finale is refined and gently tannic, fading slowly with dramatic length and a twang of candied lemon. Stunning." Vinous