Serra della Contessa Particella, No.587, Etna Rosso DOC Riserva — 2017
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Introduction
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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: 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.
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Vineyard Profile
- Appellation: Etna D.O.C. Rosso Riserva
- Location: Sicily
- Cultivation: Sustainable
- Soil: Sandy, volcanic, rich in minerals, with sub-acid reaction (pH 6.2)
- Exposure: Very steep vineyard of co-planted, pre-phylloxera, ungrafted, head-trained bush vines (“alberello”.) Southeast exposure
- Density: 9,000 - 10,000 vinestocks per hectare (3,644 - 4,049 vines per acre)
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Vintage Report
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Cold winter with low rainfall. In the Spring, there was a sharp temperature drop in the third week, causing frost damage and occasional rainfall. May had a Spring-like climate without rain. June was drier. July had scorching heat with a maximum temperature of 42°C until mid-July, but temperatures returned to normal in the last week. August had a dry and drought-like climate with sporadic rain in the third week on the southeastern side. September and October had occasional rain, but the heat remained constant until the end of the harvest.
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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 15 months and continues in stainless steel tanks.
- Aging: Large barrels of French oak (15hl), for at least 15 months and continues in stainless steel tanks. In the bottle for 6-9 months.
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 85% Nerello Mascalese, 15% Nerello Cappuccio
- Alcohol: 14%
- TA: 5.42g/L
- p H: 3.7
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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
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Images
Reviews
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Serra della Contessa Particella, No.587, Etna Rosso DOC Riserva — 2017 – Decanter – 95 Points
“It shines for its gorgeous wild strawberry perfume, woody and delicate. In the mouth it shows its tight, vertical structure and intense, vibrant and concentrated red fruits, with dusty, woody and balsamic nuances. Light on its feet despite its obvious power and heft, this deserves more time in bottle before opening.”
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Serra della Contessa Particella No. 587, Etna Rosso DOC Riserva — 2017 – Vinous – 94+ Points
“Crushed rocks, rose petals and dried strawberries form a dusty and darkly alluring bouquet as the 2017 Etna Rosso Riserva Serra della Contessa Particella No. 587 grumbles up from the glass. It's silky-smooth and elegant in style. Polished red fruits and mineral tones add traction under an air of violet inner florals. Hints of sour citrus combine with a bump of residual acidity to add balance, even as grippy tannins clamp down hard through the long and structured finale.”
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Serra della Contessa Particella, No.587, Etna Rosso DOC Riserva — 2017 – Wine Spectator – 93 Points
"An enticing red, with aromas of clove, cardamom, crushed pine and dried tea rose drawing you into the glass, where the fragrant thread winds through a silky mesh of plumped cherry, dried strawberry and minerally earth and iron notes. Graceful and harmonious, showing fine, sculpted tannins and a long, fresh finish. Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio."
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Serra della Contessa Particella No. 587, Etna Rosso DOC Riserva — 2017 – James Suckling – 96 Points
“What fantastic aromas of dried flowers, cloves, smoke, and cherries. The wine is medium-bodied with creamy and round tannins that are polished and beautiful. Flavorful.”