“Rovittello” Rosso Riserva Etna DOC 2019

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

19132719 · 0,75 l · 158,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping10 units available

Particella No. 341, a parcel number that has long since become a legend among Etna connoisseurs. Here, in the Contrada Dafara Galluzzo in the upper part of Rovittello, there are vines that have never left Europe – alberello vines that have been rooted in the volcanic sands of the northern slope for over a century. When Giuseppe Benanti began to realise his vision of modern Etna wine in 1988, the classic Rovittello was one of his first red wines. The experience matured for almost three decades – until 2015, when the winery decided to vinify this unique parcel separately and elevate it to Riserva status with an exceptional ageing programme of 60 months in total.

The vineyard is located at an altitude of 750 metres in the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia, the historical epicentre of Etna viticulture. Nerello Mascalese (approx. 90%) and Nerello Cappuccio (approx. 10%) grow here in the traditional mixed set – as the Etna winegrowers have practised for centuries. The sandy, mineral-rich soils with their characteristically sub-acidic reaction, the extreme planting density of 9,000 to 10,000 vines per hectare with a yield of only 5,500 kg/ha, the humid mountain climate with its dramatic day-night fluctuations – all of this produces grapes of singular concentration and finesse. The grapes are harvested by hand at the end of October, when they have reached their full aromatic complexity. Fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature of 25 °C using proprietary yeasts that Benanti has selected and patented over the years from its own vineyards. After malolactic fermentation, the wine matures in large French oak barrels (15 hl), followed by extended bottle ageing – a total of 60 months pass before this wine leaves the winery.

Pale ruby red with delicate garnet nuances – the typical transparency of a great Nerello Mascalese. The nose unfolds an ethereal kaleidoscope: violets and wilted roses, ripe wild strawberries and raspberries, underpinned by cloves, black pepper and a hint of fine wood. Dry, mineral and remarkably elegant on the palate – the tannins are fine-grained and polished, the acidity is precise and carrying. A wine of great harmony and exceptional persistence that reveals its volcanic origins in every nuance. The Rovittello Riserva Particella No. 341 is one of those rare wines that unite history and terroir in perfect form. A monument to Etna that will last for decades. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant, medium-dense ruby-garnet colour. Finely characterised nose, presents itself with notes of pomegranate, roses, watermelon and smoke. Lots of juicy fruit, rich pomegranate flavour, opens up with fine tannins, firm pressure." Falstaff

"Understated and youthfully coy, the 2019 Etna Rosso Riserva Rovittello Particella No. 341 Alberello Centenario slowly emerges with a blend of woodland berries, dried roses and spiced citrus peels. This is cool-toned and sleek, with pretty inner florals and saturating ripe blackberry fruits. The 2019 leaves a staining of primary concentration that puckers the cheeks as nuances of tart raspberry and clove ring out. Patience is required." Vinous