Etna rosso (2022) - Benanti

In the heart of Sicily, at the foot of the mighty Mount Etna, the Benanti winery played a pioneering part in the revival of Etna wines. Founded in 1988 by Giuseppe Benanti, it was among the first to believe in the unique potential of the indigenous Nerello Cappuccio and Nerello Mascalese varieties. One curious anecdote concerns Giuseppe Benanti himself: the story goes that during one of his first harvests the volcano erupted, covering the vineyards in ash. Rather than despair, Benanti sensed that the volcanic ash would enrich the soil and give the wine an inimitable character. Since then, Benanti's Etna Rosso has become a symbol of resilience and innovation.

The appellation: Etna Rosso DOC

Etna Rosso DOC is one of the most fascinating and prestigious appellations in Italian winegrowing. The wines of this appellation are produced exclusively on the slopes of Mount Etna, in Sicily, one of the most unique terroirs in the world. Marked by extraordinary elegance, finesse and pronounced minerality, Etna Rosso DOC wines are reds of great personality, able to combine tradition and modernity.

What to eat with Etna rosso

Who makes it: Benanti

The Benanti winery, in the heart of Etna, is an extraordinary example of how Sicilian winemaking tradition can blend with innovation. Founded with the aim of championing the winemaking heritage of Sicily, Benanti has established itself as a benchmark for high-quality wines, in particular Etna Rosso DOC. Benanti's wines are the result of careful work in the vineyard, where the grapes are grown on mineral-rich volcanic soils, giving the wines a unique and distinctive character. The winery is known for its dedication to sustainability and for its use of environmentally friendly farming practices, which allow the organoleptic character of the grapes to shine.

The vine of Etna rosso

Nerello Mascalese

Nerello Mascalese is one of the most important and representative black grape varieties of Sicily, and in particular of the volcanic territories of Etna. Known for its extraordinary elegance and its ability to reflect the terroir, Nerello Mascalese is considered the emblematic variety of the wines of Etna DOC, where it is often vinified as a single variety or blended with Nerello Cappuccio.

Nerello Cappuccio

Nerello Cappuccio is a black grape variety indigenous to Sicily, closely bound up with the island’s traditional viticulture. Although less well known and less widely planted than the more famous Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio plays a fundamental role in the production of red wines with great character, especially in the Etna DOC appellation. Often used in blends with Nerello Mascalese, it helps to give colour, softness and roundness to the wines, completing the elegant, mineral structure of its companion variety.

Etna rosso: the area

Climate: Mountain-volcanic

Altitude: Mid Altitude (500-800 m above sea level)

Soil: Volcanic

Geographical setting: Volcano and far from the sea

Profile of Etna rosso

Primary aromas: Ripe red fruit, Violet

Secondary aromas: Mediterranean herbs, Spices

Tertiary aromas: Leather, Tobacco

Tasting notes: An elegant wine with notes of ripe red fruit and spice, well-integrated tannins and a persistent finish.