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.

In 2022, the warmest year in 180 years, there was ample winter rainfall. The vineyards experienced early vegetative awakening and abundant vegetative development. Flowering and fruit setting happened under optimal conditions, resulting in well-formed bunches.

From May to June, there was significant vegetation growth in all five contradas of Benanti, requiring intensive green pruning. Despite high temperatures and limited rainfall, the grapes did not show signs of water stress until the veraison phase. Some areas experienced issues with berry size, but this was resolved by rainfall in late August.

Overall, the grapes ripened in perfect health conditions and required minimal intervention for phytosanitary purposes. The ripening process led to increased sugar levels and good acidity, ideal for well-balanced wines.

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.

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