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 in Contrada Rinazzo, on the Eastern slope of Mount Etna within the territory of Milo (CT). The contrada is particularly well-known for its elevation (approximately 800 m a.s.l. / 2,600 ft a.s.l.), abundant luminosity, continuous ventilation and exposure to the sea.

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.

Grapes are hand-picked after mid-October, de-stemmed and softly pressed. Fermentation occurs for about 12 days at a controlled temperature in stainless steel, using a specific indigenous yeast selected in the vineyard by Benanti. The wine matures in stainless steel tanks on the fine lees for about 12 months, with frequent stirrings.

Pale yellow with greenish tints. Intense, rich, moderately fruity, complex scent. Medium-bodied, dry, mineral, with a pleasant high acidity, saline notes, marked aromatic persistence, and aftertaste of anise and almond.