Serra della Contessa Particella, No.587, Etna Rosso DOC Riserva — 2016
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Vineyard Profile
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Contrada Monte Serra, on the flank of Monte Serra, an extinct crater within the territory of Viagrande (CT), on the south-eastern slope of Mount Etna.
Appellation: Etna DOC Rosso Riserva
Climate: High hill climate, mitigated by the proximity to the Ionian Sea, humid and rainy in the cooler season, with constant good ventilation and high luminosity.
Altitude: 500 m a.s.l. / 1,640 ft a.s.l.
Vine Age: Very steep vineyard of co-planted, pre-phylloxera, ungrafted
Training: Head-trained bush vines (“alberello”)
Soil: Sandy, volcanic, rich in minerals, with sub-acid reaction (pH 6.2)
Density: 9,000 – 10,000 vinestocks per hectare (3,644 – 4,049 vines per acre)
Yield: 4,500 kg/ha
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Vinification
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Grapes are hand-picked between late September and early October, de-stemmed and softly pressed. Fermentation occurs at a controlled temperature in stainless steel, with a long maceration, with an indigenous yeast selected in the vineyard by Benanti. Maturation mainly occurs in large barrels of French oak (15hl), for at least 24 months.
- Aging: In large French oak barrels (15hl), for at least 24 months. Followed by 12 months in bottle.
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: Nerello Mascalese (85-90%), the indigenous red grape of Mount Etna; Nerello Cappuccio (c.10-15%), a variety grown on the volcano for centuries.
- Alcohol: 14%
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Tasting Notes
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Color: Ruby red with light tints of garnet
Scent: Ethereal, intense, with hints of wild berries, spice and noble wood
Taste and Body: Full, harmonic, mineral, considerably persistent and reasonably tannic - Serving Suggestions: A full, balanced and age-worthy wine ideal with game, red meat and mature cheese
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Images
Reviews
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Serra della Contessa Particella No. 587, Etna Rosso DOC Riserva — 2016 – James Suckling – 96 Points
"Complex nose of sandalwood, cloves, dried cherries, cranberries, potpourri, incense, pine cones and crushed stones. It's medium-bodied with bright acidity and a spicy, polished and structured palate. Very fine tannins. The wood is a little obvious at the moment. Old-vine nerello mascalese with some nerello cappuccio."
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Serra della Contessa Particella No. 587, Etna Rosso DOC Riserva — 2016 – Wine Enthusiast – 94 Points
"Bricks, fresh soil, grilled meat, plums and cherries on the nose almost manage to keep sweeter notes of vanilla and milk chocolate hidden. These get their time to shine on the palate, with more berries lifted up by orange zest and a chili pepper kick."
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Serra della Contessa Particella No. 587, Etna Rosso DOC Riserva — 2016 – Wine Spectator – 91 Points
“Silky and slightly juicy, this finely meshed red is aging gracefully, with orange peel acidity on the palate and flavors of dried raspberry, black tea leaf, rose hip and loamy earth that are creamy and subtle. Plush tannins emerge on the finish. Elegant.”
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Serra della Contessa Particella No. 587, Etna Rosso DOC Riserva — 2016 – Decanter – 94 Points
“Fragrant, intense and rich, it combines potpourri and black cherry scents with mouth-coating tannins and big acidity on the fresh, balanced and chewy palate. It finishes with floral and chocolatey notes. This is a big wine which deserves time in the cellar before broaching.”