Benanti

2021 Benanti Contrada Monte Serra

Etna DOC Rosso
Nerello Mascalese
Red wine

Vineyards of Nerello Mascalese in Contrada Monte Serra, on the South-east slope of Mount Etna, within the territory of Viagrande (CT). Elevation is 450 m. a.s.l. / 1,500 ft a.s.l.
Vines are planted in sandy, volcanic soil, rich in “ripiddu” (small pumice lava stones) and minerals, with sub-acid reaction. The plants are of mixed ages and include some 100 year old ones, all trained in alberello, with a planting density of about 9,000 vinestocks per hectare and a yield of approximately 6,500 kg/ha. The climate is hilly, humid and rainy in the colder season, with good ventilation and significant swings between day and evening temperatures.

Following the manual harvest in late September or early October and full de-stemming, maceration and fermentation take place in stainless steel at controlled temperatures over approximately 21 days, using only indigenous Etna yeasts that have been selected by the winery after a long experimentation. The wine then ages in French oak tonneaux for 12 months and then in stainless steel. The wine then spends about 10 months in the bottle before being released.

The color is pale ruby with garnet nuances. Lofty aromas of red fruits and spices are complemented by similar characteristics on the palate, which is dry and medium- to full-bodied, with smoother tannins, and a persistent, harmonious finish.