“Rovittello” Rosso Riserva Etna DOC 2020

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

19132720 · 0,75 l · 158,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available

Particella No. 341. A plot number that has long since become legendary amongst Etna connoisseurs. For almost thirty years, Benanti produced an Etna Rosso Rovittello, then in 2015 the estate decided to focus entirely on this small section of the vineyard, planted before the phylloxera epidemic. It is situated in the upper Rovittello area near Castiglione di Sicilia, on a north-facing slope at 750 metres, where the climate is damp and windy and temperatures fluctuate greatly. Walls of lava stone, laid without mortar, support the narrow terraces. Here stand bush vines over a hundred years old, never grafted, planted as a mixed vineyard comprising around 90% Nerello Mascalese and the remainder Nerello Cappuccio, with 9,000 to 10,000 vines and a yield of around 5,500 kilos per hectare. The soil is sandy and rich in minerals; it was formed more than ten thousand years ago.

During the last ten days of October, the grapes are harvested by hand and carefully selected, then destemmed and gently pressed. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel at 25 degrees using a yeast strain selected by the estate itself in the vineyard; the wine remains on the lees for 20 to 21 days. It is aged for around two years in French oak barrels, each holding 15 hectolitres, after which it is left to rest in the bottle for twelve months. The entire process, from fermentation to maturation, takes 60 months.

A pale ruby red with delicate garnet hues. The bouquet is ethereal, intense yet delicate, with ripe fruit, chestnut blossom and subtle woody notes. On the palate, it is dry and mineral, with elegant, refined tannins; everything is perfectly balanced, and the finish is remarkable. The vines have waited a century; a few more years' bottle ageing would be most welcome. SUPERIORE.DE

"An intense, sparkling ruby red with garnet-coloured edges. A precise nose, with cherry and raspberry, dark chocolate and coffee beans, as well as a hint of violet. On the palate, it has a juicy attack, followed by plenty of spice, an elegant interplay of tannins and acidity, and a long finish." Falstaff

"Notes of cedar, burnt herbs and ripe plums on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied with a round palate and polished tannins that unfold into layers of forest soil, tobacco and porcini. Well-structured and persistent, combining richness with an earthy, savory depth." James Suckling

"The 2020 Etna Rosso Riserva Rovittello Particella No. 341 Alberello Centenario has a dusty bouquet of dried roses, blood orange, sage and crushed black cherries. It's surprisingly juicy and supple, with a pleasant bitter inflection and tart wild berry fruits. The finish is structured, saline and mineral-driven with nuances of blackberry and dark inner florals." Vinous