“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. Shipping3 units available

Particella No. 341. A plot number that has long since become the stuff of legend amongst Etna connoisseurs. Here, in the Contrada Dafara Galluzzo in the upper reaches of Rovittello, stand vines that have never left Europe – ungrafted 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 over almost three decades – until, in 2015, the winery decided to vinify this unique plot separately and elevate it to Riserva status through an exceptional ageing programme totalling 60 months.

The vineyard is situated at an altitude of 750 metres in the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia, the historic heart of Etna's wine-growing region. Nerello Mascalese (approx. 90 per cent) and Nerello Cappuccio (approx. 10 per cent) are grown here using the traditional mixed planting method – just as the winemakers of Mount Etna have been doing for centuries. The sandy, mineral-rich soils with their characteristic sub-acidic pH, the extremely high planting density of 9,000 to 10,000 vines per hectare yielding just 5,500 kg/ha, and the humid mountain climate with its dramatic day-night temperature fluctuations – all these factors combine to produce grapes of singular concentration and finesse. The grapes are harvested by hand at the end of October, when the berries 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 many years from its own vineyards. Following malolactic fermentation, the wine matures in large French oak barrels (15 hl), followed by extensive bottle ageing – a total of 60 months pass before this wine leaves the estate.

A pale ruby red with delicate garnet hues – the characteristic clarity 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. On the palate, it is dry, mineral and remarkably elegant – the tannins are fine-grained and polished, the acidity precise and supportive. A wine of great harmony and exceptional persistence, revealing its volcanic origins in every nuance. The Rovittello Riserva Particella No. 341 is one of those rare wines that perfectly unite history and terroir. A monument to Etna that will endure for decades. SUPERIORE.DE

"A brilliant, medium-intensity ruby-garnet colour. A delicately nuanced nose, offering notes of pomegranate, roses, watermelon and smoke. Plenty of juicy fruit, with a rich pomegranate flavour, opening up with fine-grained tannins and firm structure." Falstaff

"Tightly meshed and minerally, layering a chewy frame of muscular tannins with an underpinning of stone and smoke, a structured frame for flavors of dried cherry and mulberry, with hints of rosemary, lavender, white pepper and smoked paprika. Chewy finish." Wine Spectator

"The Etna Rosso Riserva Rovittello Particella No. 341 Alberello Centenario 2019 is reserved and youthfully shy, unfolding slowly with a blend of wild berries, dried roses and spiced citrus peel. It is cool and supple, with lovely floral notes and rich, ripe blackberries. The 2019 vintage leaves a hint of primary concentration that colours the cheeks, whilst nuances of tart raspberry and clove come to the fore. Patience is required." Vinous