Etna Rosso DOC — 2021
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Introduction
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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: Selection of grapes from vineyards located on the eastern and southern slopes of Mount Etna, particularly suitable given the high altitude and abundant luminosity.
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Vineyard Profile
- Appellation: Etna D.O.C. Rosso
- Location: Sicily
- Cultivation: Sustainable
- Vine Age: 10-60 years-old
- Soil: Volcanic sands, rich in minerals, with sub-acid reaction
- Exposure: Southeast/southwest exposure
- Density: 6,0000 – 8,000 kg/ha
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Vintage Report
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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.
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Vinification
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The two varieties are vinified separately. Grapes are hand-picked in October, de-stemmed and softly pressed. Fermentation with maceration occurs at a controlled temperature in stainless steel, with indigenous yeasts selected in the vineyard by Benanti. About 80% of the Nerello Mascalese matures in stainless steel, while about 20% matures in oak barriques for 8-10 months. Nerello Cappuccio matures exclusively in stainless steel.
- Aging: Nerello Mascalese matures in stainless steel, while about 20% matures in oak barriques for 8-10 months. Nerello Cappuccio matures exclusively in stainless steel. In the bottle for approximately 3 months.
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 80% Nerello Mascalese, 20% Nerello Cappuccio
- Alcohol: 14%
- TA: 5.5 g/L
- p H: 3.65
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Tasting Notes
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Color: Pale, ruby
Scent: Ethereal, intense, with hints of red fruits
Taste and Body: Balanced, dry, medium-bodied, mineral with a pleasant acidity and saline notes, red fruit aromas, persistent
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Images
Reviews
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Etna Rosso DOC — 2021 – Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points
“An earthy, savory nose recalls the volcanic soil of Etna’s slopes, while the astringency of cranberries, hibiscus, cherries and fennel provide the sparkle of the Italian sun glinting off the snow. The cherries dance on the palate, but a bitter citrus undertone highlights enduring notes of earth and herbs. Acid buzzes around dusty, chewy tannins.”
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Etna Rosso DOC — 2021 – Wine Spectator – 93 Points
"An enticing, graceful red, with a perfumed nose of dried rose petal, grilled rosemary and a touch of incense spices. This is plush and supple on the palate, offering a lovely range of dried raspberry and plum skin, plus a subtle underpinning of tar-tinged smoke notes. Hints of orange peel and red licorice linger on the persistent finish."