Benanti

Sicily, Italy

Contrada Monte Serra, Etna Rosso DOC — 2022

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  • Introduction

    • 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.

      WINE The Contrada Monte Serra in the South-Eastern slope is uniquely perched 450 meters above sea level, is cradled in sandy, mineral-rich soil dotted with ancient pumice stones where century-old Nerello Mascalese is able to develop a singular expression and concentration. Crafted with reverence, this Etna Rosso matures in French oak and stainless steel, harmonizing its volcanic vigor with graceful complexity.

  • Vineyard Profile

    • Contrada Monte Serra is within the territory of Viagrande, on the south-eastern flank of Mount Etna. Age and training system of vines ranging from 14 to 100+ years old. Headtrained, shortpruned bush vines. Vine density 9,000 vinestocks per hectare (“alberello”), grown on small terraces with dry lava-stone walls.

    • Appellation: Etna D.O.C. Rosso
    • Location: Sicily
    • Cultivation: Sustainable
    • Vine Age: 14 to 100+ years-old
    • Soil: Volcanic sands, rich in minerals, with sub-acid reaction
    • Exposure: Southeast exposure
    • Density: 9,000 vinestocks per hectare (3,644 vines per acre)
  • Vintage Report

    • The climate trend of 2022, already archived as the warmest year of the last 180 years, began with rather regular and abundant winter rainfall. The vegetative awakening of the vineyards occurred regularly and slightly early, and the subsequent phases showed regular and abundant vegetative development. With these premises, flowering and fruit setting took place in the best conditions, allowing the development of full and well-formed bunches.

  • Vinification

    • Fermentation occurred at a controlled temperature in stainless steel, with a 21 days long maceration, using an indigenous yeast selected in the vineyards by Benanti. Maturation occurs in used tonneaux of French oak for about 12 months.

    • Barrel Aging: The wine matures in stainless steel tanks on the fine lees for about 12 months, with frequent stirrings. Refined in the bottle for 6 months.
  • Technical Information

    • Varietal Composition: Nerello Mascalese
    • Alcohol: 14%
    • TA: 3.7 g/L
    • p H: 5.5
    • RS: 0.5 g/L
  • Tasting Notes

    • The wine color is pale ruby red with light tints garnet. The scent is ethereal, spicy, with scents of red fruit. The taste and body is dry, medium-to-full bodied, reasonably tannic, balanced and persistent.

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Reviews

  • Contrada Monte Serra, Etna Rosso DOC — 2022 – James Suckling – 94 Points

    "Earthy strawberries combine with a whiff of cocoa powder, bitter oranges and a floral bouquet. Light- to medium-bodied, this has crisp acidity, velvety tannins and a chalky finish. Well-balanced."

  • Contrada Monte Serra, Etna Rosso DOC — 2022 – Wine Enthusiast – 93 Points

    "The nose features earthy, savory aromas of hot tar, crushed stone and herbs, as well as a crackle of pepper and sour cherry. That tart liveliness soars on the palate, which features abundant notes of citrus and barely ripe, high-toned red fruit, plus a tornado of tannins and acid that takes the energy to another level."

  • Contrada Monte Serra, Etna Rosso DOC — 2022 – Wine Spectator – 90 Points

    "A pretty beam of pureed wild strawberry is layered with a subtle underpinning of tar and stone notes in this finely meshed red. Fresh and lightly chewy, with spice and herb accents lingering on the finish."

  • Contrada Monte Serra, Etna Rosso DOC — 2022 – Vinous – 92 Points

    "The 2022 Etna Rosso Contrada Monte Serra is coy in the glass, grumbling up with hints of dried cherry, sage and cedary spice. It opens with a balanced inner sweetness that is quickly contrasted by tart wild berry fruits and saline minerals that add a tactile sensation toward the close. The 2022 finishes long and structured with a sour berry concentration and violet inner florals that slowly fade. Further cellaring should help to soften its contours over time, yet I expect the Monte Serra will always be something a nervy and feisty Etna Rosso."

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