“Serra della Contessa” Rosso Riserva Etna DOC 2020

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

19132320 · 0,75 l · 158,67 €/l · Price (DE) incl. VAT, excl. Shipping< 24 units available

Near Viagrande stands a volcanic cone that erupted independently: its vent was separate from Etna's large magma chamber. What it left behind is light, loose material through which water sinks rapidly, and the vines follow it down into the depths. On the south-eastern slope, at altitudes between 450 and 500 metres, the air remains in constant motion, and the grapes ripen slightly earlier than elsewhere on the mountain. Right at the top lies a small, very steep plot, 85 to 90% of which is planted with Nerello Mascalese, alongside Nerello Cappuccio – bush vines planted before the phylloxera epidemic and now up to a hundred years old. The wine has been produced as a Riserva since 2015, made exclusively from this plot and in small quantities, with vinification, ageing and refinement taking a total of 60 months.

The grapes are harvested by hand from late September to early October. After gentle pressing, the must ferments at 25 degrees in stainless steel tanks and remains on the skins for 20 to 21 days. The wine is then aged for around 30 months in large French oak barrels, transferred to a stainless steel tank and, finally, left to rest in the bottle for a year.

Ruby red with garnet highlights. On the nose, ethereal and intense, with wild berries, spices and fine oak. On the palate, it is full-bodied and harmonious, with mineral notes, noticeable tannins and considerable length. The finish seems to last longer than the climb up to the vines – and on this slope, that's saying something. SUPERIORE.DE

"A brilliant ruby red with garnet-coloured highlights. A delicately fragrant nose, with notes of cherry and rosehip, underpinned by subtle hints of cold smoke, pepper and leather. On the palate, it is exceptionally elegant and silky, with ripe tannins, harmonious acidity and final long, spicy final." Falstaff

"The 2020 Etna Rosso Riserva Serra Della Contessa Particella No. 587 Alberello Centenario offers a dark and brooding bouquet of sweet lavender and sage, dusty earth and dried black cherries. The palate is seamless and silken with elegant textures and mineral-infused red fruits. A framework of sweet tannins forms toward the close. The 2020 reveals its heroic structure on the finish, where tart raspberry mingles with a savory herbal resonance." Vinous

"Cocoa powder and cinnamon on the nose give way to bright cherries, blueberries, licorice and hints of dried roses. Medium-bodied with a round, supple entry that gradually unfolds to a polished, seamless texture. Layers of earth, mineral tension and fine spices add complexity, while the fruit remains pure and vibrant throughout. Deeply nuanced and harmonious, lingering effortlessly in the finish. A true meditation wine." James Suckling