Serra della Contessa Particella, No.587, Etna Rosso DOC Riserva — 2016
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Vineyard Profile
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Contrada Monte Serra, on the flank of Monte Serra, an extinct crater within the territory of Viagrande (CT), on the south-eastern slope of Mount Etna.
Appellation: Etna DOC Rosso Riserva
Climate: High hill climate, mitigated by the proximity to the Ionian Sea, humid and rainy in the cooler season, with constant good ventilation and high luminosity.
Altitude: 500 m a.s.l. / 1,640 ft a.s.l.
Vine Age: Very steep vineyard of co-planted, pre-phylloxera, ungrafted
Training: Head-trained bush vines (“alberello”)
Soil: Sandy, volcanic, rich in minerals, with sub-acid reaction (pH 6.2)
Density: 9,000 – 10,000 vinestocks per hectare (3,644 – 4,049 vines per acre)
Yield: 4,500 kg/ha
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Vinification
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Grapes are hand-picked between late September and early October, de-stemmed and softly pressed. Fermentation occurs at a controlled temperature in stainless steel, with a long maceration, with an indigenous yeast selected in the vineyard by Benanti. Maturation mainly occurs in large barrels of French oak (15hl), for at least 24 months.
- Aging: In large French oak barrels (15hl), for at least 24 months. Followed by 12 months in bottle.
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: Nerello Mascalese (85-90%), the indigenous red grape of Mount Etna; Nerello Cappuccio (c.10-15%), a variety grown on the volcano for centuries.
- Alcohol: 14%
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Tasting Notes
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Color: Ruby red with light tints of garnet
Scent: Ethereal, intense, with hints of wild berries, spice and noble wood
Taste and Body: Full, harmonic, mineral, considerably persistent and reasonably tannic - Serving Suggestions: A full, balanced and age-worthy wine ideal with game, red meat and mature cheese
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Images
Reviews
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Serra della Contessa Particella No. 587, Etna Rosso DOC Riserva — 2016 – Decanter – 94 Points
“Fragrant, intense and rich, it combines potpourri and black cherry scents with mouth-coating tannins and big acidity on the fresh, balanced and chewy palate. It finishes with floral and chocolatey notes. This is a big wine which deserves time in the cellar before broaching.”
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Serra della Contessa Particella No. 587, Etna Rosso DOC Riserva — 2016 – Vinous – 95 Points
“This is dark and savory in the glass, grumbling up with notes of crushed rocks and ash that evolve further to reveal musky black currants, hints of licorice and dried violets. This is velvety-smooth, yet not weighty in feel. Instead, the 2016 seems to glide effortlessly across the palate, yet what it leaves behind is a saturation of primary fruit and mineral tones, as well as silky tannins that penetrate deeply. The Serra della Contessa finishes structured yet long and unexpectedly fresh, with balsam herbs and a touch of salted licorice that slowly fades. This Etna Rosso is a powerhouse.”