Benanti
Contrada Cavaliere Etna Rosso DOC
Contrada Cavaliere Etna Rosso is an exceptional expression of Etna’s volcanic terroir—elegant, mineral-driven, and full of character. What makes this Etna Rosso truly unique is its provenance from a celebrated contrada, or vineyard district, on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. This specific location benefits from a cooler microclimate and mineral rich volcanic soil that imparts a distinctive character and depth to the wine.
The vineyard is located in Contrada Cavaliere, within the territory of Santa Maria di Licodia (CT), on the southwestern slope of Mount Etna at an elevation of 800 meters. The vines, aged 50 years, are trained using the Guyot system. Exclusively planted with Nerello Mascalese, the vineyard benefits from the high altitude, which slows ripening and enhances the aromatic complexity of the fruit. The combination of old vines and the challenging growing conditions results in smaller yields but produces wines of exceptional precision and quality, particularly for the Carricante grape.
- Region
- Sicily
- Appellation
- Etna Rosso DOC
- Varietal Composition
- Nerello Mascalese
- Aging
- 12 months in French oak tonneaux and then in stainless steel tanks. Refined in the bottle for approximately 10 months.
- Alcohol
- 14.13%
This wine presents a pale ruby color, offering an ethereal and spicy nose with delicate aromas of red fruit. On the palate, it is dry and medium-to-full-bodied, with a distinct tannic structure. The wine is well-balanced and persistent, leaving a lasting impression with each sip.
Wine Enthusiast
96 Points
2023
"More grounded and tranquil than Benanti’s Etna Rosso from its companion contrada, the Cavaliere is integrated and coherent. Driven and focused— exceptional clarity of vision."
— Danielle Callegari, 2026
Wine Spectator
93 Points
2023
"Aromas of tea rose and black tea are an enticing entry for this supple red, defined by satiny tannins and fresh, juicy acidity. Offers a range of mulled cherry and warm fig fruit flavors underscored by appealing, minerally stone and ash, plus fragrant accents of wild thyme, rosemary, ground anise and white pepper. Nerello Mascalese. Drink now through 2040. 436 cases made, 175 cases imported."
— Alison Napjus, 2026
