Benanti Etna Rosso 2023

Benanti is one of the pioneering estates behind the modern revival of winemaking on Mount Etna in Sicily. Although the family’s winemaking roots date to the late 19th century, Giuseppe Benanti reestablished the winery in 1988, focusing on indigenous grape varieties and the diverse volcanic terroirs of the mountain. His research into vineyard sites, native yeasts and traditional grape varieties helped bring renewed attention to the region. Today, the estate is managed by his sons Antonio and Salvino Benanti, who continue to produce wines from vineyards across several slopes of Etna, including distinctive single vineyard bottlings.

Benanti follows organic farming practices, cultivating native grape varieties on vineyards spread across Etna’s northern, southeastern and southwestern slopes. The vineyards sit between 450 and 900 meters above sea level, on sandy volcanic soils, with vines ranging from 10 to 60 years old. Traditional bush trained vines coexist with more modern trellised plantings. High elevations, significant temperature variations between day and night, and the mountain’s varied exposures contribute to the wines’ aromatic complexity and natural acidity.

The 2023 Etna Rosso is a blend of approximately 80 to 85% nerello mascalese and 15 to 20% nerello cappuccio, sourced from vineyards on three different slopes of Mount Etna. Grapes are harvested by hand, with the two varieties fermented separately in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks using indigenous yeasts selected through the estate’s research. Following fermentation, approximately 80% of the nerello mascalese matures in stainless steel, while the remaining 20% undergoes élevage in previously used French oak barriques for 8 to 10 months. The nerello cappuccio is aged entirely in stainless steel, and the finished wine spends an additional two to three months in bottle before release.

The wine displays a pale ruby color with aromas of red cherry, raspberry, dried herbs and subtle smoky spice. On the palate, bright red fruit is balanced by lively acidity, fine tannins and a distinctive mineral and saline character. Medium bodied and savory, it finishes with lingering notes of red berries, pepper and volcanic earth.