Benanti
Contrada Rinazzo Etna Bianco DOC Superiore
The tiny municipality of Milo is the only area permitted for wines labeled Etna Bianco Superiore, according to the Etna D.O.C. rules. In this steep vineyard, composed of numerous small terraces with dry lava stone walls overlooking the Ionian Sea, only Carricante is grown.
Vines are located in Contrada Rinazzo (Milo village), on the eastern slope of Mt Etna. Young vines, head-trained, shortpruned bush vines (“alberello”) grown on small terraces with dry lava-stone walls. Elevated at 800 meters above sea level, the vineyards benefit from an eastern exposure and the cooling influence of the Ionian Sea just five miles away.
- Region
- Sicily
- Appellation
- Etna Bianco DOC Superiore
- Varietal Composition
- Carricante
- Aging
- 12 months on its fine lees in stainless steel.
- Alcohol
- 12.5%
Pale yellow with greenish tints, this wine offers an intense and rich nose, with moderate fruity complexity. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, dry, and mineral, with a refreshing high acidity and saline notes. The aromatic persistence is marked by an aftertaste of anise and almond.
Wine Spectator
92 Points
2022
"A structured white, offering rapier-like acidity tightly meshed with flavors of crunchy white peach, green almond, crushed pine, lemon wax and petrol. There's good tension and focus; this should open nicely with short-term cellaring."
— Alison Napjus, 2024
