“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. Shipping10 units available

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

Nerello Mascalese (approx. 85 per cent) and Nerello Cappuccio (approx. 15 per cent) are grown here using the traditional mixed-crop method as "Alberello" – the bush-trained cultivation system that has characterised the landscape of Etna's vineyards for centuries. The steeply sloping vineyard is situated on sandy, volcanic soils, rich in "Ripiddu" – those characteristic small pumice fragments found only on Mount Etna. The extremely high planting density of 9,000 to 10,000 vines per hectare, with a yield of just 4,500 kg/ha, concentrates the aromas in every single berry. The proximity to the Ionian Sea tempers the high-altitude climate, providing moisture and constant ventilation, whilst the high light intensity ensures perfect ripening. Hand-harvesting takes place at the end of September, followed by a long maceration at a controlled temperature of 25 °C using proprietary yeasts that Benanti has selected over the years from its own vineyards. Following malolactic fermentation, the wine matures in large French oak barrels (15 hl), before extended bottle ageing completes the process – a total of 60 months from must to release.

A deep ruby red with garnet hues. The nose is both ethereal and intense. Wild blackberries, dried cherries, potpourri and incense intertwine with sandalwood, cloves and crushed stone. On the palate, it is full-bodied and harmonious, with a pronounced yet velvety tannin structure. Minerality runs through the wine like a common thread, accompanied by notes of salty liquorice and balsamic herbs. The final is exceptionally long, structured and imbued with lively freshness. The Serra della Contessa Riserva Particella No. 587 is the heart and soul of Benanti. A wine that unites history and terroir, where the family's story began over a century ago. And a monument to volcanic wine culture. SUPERIORE.DE

"A sparkling, medium-intensity ruby-garnet colour. A delicately nuanced nose, with aromas of strawberries and raspberries, and a hint of flint. Fine-grained, polished tannins characterise the wine on the palate, with subtle notes of pomegranate and watermelon; still slightly rough on final." Falstaff

"Fragrant leather and incense waft through pureed strawberry and plumped cherry notes, a pure beam of fruit character set on the silky texture of this graceful red. The plush mouthfeel encases a frame of sculpted tannins and a plum skin tang of acidity, while hints of Earl Grey, red licorice and sandalwood join a streak of tar-tinged minerality that echoes on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2019 Etna Rosso Riserva Serra Della Contessa Particella No. 587 Alberello Centenario is very expressive. It opens with a spicy bouquet of cloves, incense and cinnamon, which gives way to a hint of dried black cherry. Its silky texture is soothing, whilst a polished wave of ripe red berries washes over the senses, leaving a tactile mineral note in its wake. Violet and floral notes run through the long, structured final, whilst the tartness of cranberries slowly fades away." Vinous

"A complex, smoky wine with notes of graphite and delicate aromas such as cinnamon, earthy strawberries and violets. Soft and ripe on the palate, with refreshing acidity, medium to full body and a persistent, youthful finish. Delicate elegance." James Suckling