Contrada Dafara Galluzzo, Etna Rosso DOC — 2021
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Introduction
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THE WINERY: Winemaking in the Benanti family can be traced back to the late 1800s in Viagrande. This deep-rooted passion for wine is what led Giuseppe Benanti to establish the namesake winery in 1988.
THE WINE: Vineyards Contrada Dafara Galluzzo, on the North slope of Mount Etna, within the territory of Rovittello, Castiglione di Sicilia (CT). This contrada is historically extremely suited to grow Nerello Mascalese. Elevation: 750 m a.s.l. / 2,500 ft a.s.
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Vineyard Profile
- Appellation: Etna D.O.C. Rosso
- Location: Sicily
- Cultivation: Sustainable
- Vine Age: Mostly young, head-trained, short-pruned bush vines (“alberello”) grown on small terraces with dry lava-stone walls
- Soil: Sandy, volcanic, rich in minerals, with sub-acid reaction (pH 6.2)
- Density: 8,000 vinestocks per hectare
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Vintage Report
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In spring, the rain increased powdery mildew. However, our traditional vineyard cultivation methods kept the bunches intact. The hot and dry summer led to water stress, resulting in the development of sugars and extractive substances in our native vines. The autumn rain did not damage the bunches or their ripening. The precise green pruning and leaf removal kept the bunches healthy without the need for additional treatments. Our 2021 harvest started in September and ended in mid-October. The volcanic activity enriched the soil in Contrada Rinazzo.
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Vinification
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Grapes are hand-picked during the 4th week of October, de-stemmed, and softly pressed. Fermentation occurs at a controlled temperature in stainless steel vats, with a c. 21-day long maceration, using a specific indigenous yeast selected in the vineyard by Benanti. The maturation then continues in used tonneaux of French oak for about 12 months and then in stainless steel tanks.
- Aging: 12 months in French oak, then in stainless-steel tanks. 10 months in the bottle.
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: Nerello Mascalese
- Alcohol: 14.5%
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Tasting Notes
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Pale, ruby red in color. Ethereal, spicy fragrance, with scents of red fruit. Dry, medium-to-full-bodied, distinctively tannic, balanced and persistent.
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Images
Reviews
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Contrada Dafara Galluzzo, Etna Rosso DOC — 2021 – Decanter – 90 Points
“It's quite closed at present, with some cherry and spice notes not giving much away. In the mouth it's chewy and intense, yet vibrant and surprisingly light on its feet. Sour cherry mingles with wood, chocolate and earth, then a lingering spicy finish.” —
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Contrada Dafara Galluzzo, Etna Rosso DOC — 2021 – Vinous – 94 Points
'“The 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Dafara Galluzzo is exotic and floral, with a burst of ashen stone and dusty rose giving way to dried black cherries. Silky and soothing, it flows across the palate with a pure blend of red and blue fruits propelled by juicy acidity. This finishes structured and long yet perfumed, leaving violet and lavender tones to fade over a bed of fine-grained tannins. The Dafara Galluzzo is a real charmer”
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Contrada Dafara Galluzzo, Etna Rosso DOC — 2021 – James Suckling – 93 Points
“Aromatic and bright with sliced orange peel and watermelon with some cherry, too. Medium body, with firm and medium-velvety tannins that are long and caressing.”