Benanti

Sicily, Italy

Etna Bianco DOC — 2021

download facts sheet Download tasting notes where to buy
  • Introduction

    • 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: Selection of grapes from vineyards located on the eastern and southern slopes of Mount Etna, particularly suitable given the high altitude and abundant luminosity.

  • Vineyard Profile

    • Appellation: Etna D.O.C. Bianco
    • Location: Sicily
    • Cultivation: Sustainable
    • Vine Age: 20 to 60 years old vines
    • Soil: Volcanic sands, rich in minerals, with sub-acid reaction
    • Exposure: Eastern/southern exposure
    • Density: 7,0000 – 8,000 kg/ha
  • Vintage Report

    • 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.

  • Vinification

    • Grapes are hand picked around mid October, de-stemmed and softly pressed. Fermentation occurs for about 12 days at a controlled temperature of 18°C in stainless steel vats, using a specific indigenous yeast selected in the vineyard by Benanti. The maturation occurs in stainless steel on the fine lees for some time.

    • Aging: In stainless steel on the fine lees for some time
  • Technical Information

    • Varietal Composition: Carricante
    • Alcohol: 12.5%
    • TA: 5.9 g/L
    • p H: 3.33
  • Tasting Notes

    • Color: Pale yellow with greenish tints
      Scent: Intense, delicate, mildly fruity (apple)
      Taste and Body: Dry, mineral with pleasant acidity, saline notes and a long finish