Benanti
Pietra Marina Etna Bianco DOC Superiore
Since the very beginning in 1988, Giuseppe Benanti has aspired to demonstrate the high potential of Carricante grown in Milo. And indeed, this wine, whose name recalls volcanic landscapes, flintstones, minerals and saline sea breezes, is now unanimously considered one of the most typical, elegant and age-worthy whites in Italy.
The vines are located in Contrada Rinazzo in the village of Milo, on the eastern slope of Mount Etna. Up to 80 years old, head-trained, short-pruned bush vines grown on small terraces with dry lava-stone wall.
- Region
- Sicily
- Appellation
- Etna Bianco DOC Superiore
- Varietal Composition
- Carricante
- Aging
- 30 months on the fine lees in stainless steel with frequent stirring, until bottling. Refined in the bottle for 12 months.
- Alcohol
- 12.5%
Pale yellow with greenish tints, this wine presents an intense and rich nose, delicate and fruity, with hints of orange blossoms and ripe apple. On the palate, it is dry and mineral, with a pleasant acidity, aromatic persistence, and a distinctive aftertaste of anise and almond.
Vinous
93 Points
2020
"The 2020 Etna Bianco Superiore Pietra Marina is lifted and finessed with a remarkably pretty and airy character as white flowers, smoke and a dusting of sweet spice give way to nectarines. Elegant in feel yet seemingly weightless, it splashes across the palate with perfumed orchard fruit tones. Nuances of ginger mix with minerals and a subtle hint of citrus as the 2020 finishes with admirable length and a saline note. I'm not finding the typical tension and verticality of Pietra Marina here, but with that said, the 2020 is still lovely."
— Eric Guido, 2025
