“Serra della Contessa” Rosso Riserva Etna DOC 2019

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

19132319 · 0,75 l · 158,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping11 units available

Anno Domini 1474: The name Serra della Contessa appears for the first time in a Latin notarial deed: the ridge of the Countess. Over half a millennium later, this place has become the epitome of what is possible on the volcanic soils of Etna: a red wine of timeless elegance that pours the soul of this unique terroir into liquid form. Particella No. 587 is located in the Contrada Monte Serra on the south-eastern slope of the volcano, where the great-grandfather of the current owners Antonio and Salvino Benanti began making wine in the late 19th century. At just 500 metres above sea level, Monte Serra is the lowest of the extinct side craters of Etna – and also the place where the family's story began. Since the first bottling in 1998, the knowledge of this special vineyard matured here until Benanti decided in 2015 to vinify the small parcel with its pre-phylloxera, ungrafted century-old vines separately and to subject it to an extraordinary 60-month ageing programme.

Nerello Mascalese (approx. 85%) and Nerello Cappuccio (approx. 15%) grow here in the traditional mixed set as Alberello – the type of vine that has characterised the Etna vineyards for centuries. The steeply sloping vineyard is planted on sandy, volcanic soils, rich in "ripiddu" – the characteristic small pumice skeleton that only Etna recognises. The extreme planting density of 9,000 to 10,000 vines per hectare with a yield of only 4,500 kg/ha concentrates the flavours in every single berry. The proximity to the Ionian Sea mitigates the high-altitude climate, bringing humidity and constant ventilation, while the high light intensity ensures perfect ripeness. The grapes are harvested by hand at the end of September, followed by long maceration at a controlled temperature of 25 °C with proprietary yeasts that Benanti has selected from its own vineyards over the years. After malolactic fermentation, the wine matures in large French oak barrels (15 hl) before extended bottle ageing completes the work – a total of 60 months from must to release.

Intense ruby red with garnet nuances. The nose is ethereal and intense at the same time. Wild blackberries, dried cherries, potpourri and incense intertwine with sandalwood, cloves and crushed stones. Full and harmonious on the palate, with a present but velvety tannin structure. The minerality runs through the wine like a red thread, accompanied by notes of salted liquorice and balsamic herbs. The final: exceptionally long, structured and full of lively freshness. The Serra della Contessa Riserva Particella No. 587 is the centrepiece of Benanti. A wine that combines history and terroir, where the family began over a century ago. And a monument to volcanic wine culture. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling, medium-dense ruby garnet colour. Finely characterised nose, aromas of strawberries and raspberries, some flint. Fine-meshed, polished tannins characterise the wine on the palate, fine tones of pomegranate and watermelon, still a little rough on the final." Falstaff

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Riserva Serra Della Contessa Particella No. 587 Alberello Centenario is highly expressive. It opens with a spice box bouquet of clove, incense and cinnamon, giving way to a touch of dried black cherry. Its silky textures soothe as a polished wave of ripe red berry fruits washes across the senses, leaving a tactile mineral tinge in their wake. Violet inner florals linger through the long and structured finale as a tart cranberry saturation fades slowly." Vinous

"Complex, smoky wine with graphite and graceful aromas such as cinnamon, earthy strawberries and violets. Smooth and ripe on the palate with refreshing acidity, medium to full body and a chewy, youthful finish. Filigreed elegance." James Suckling