Etna Bianco D.O.C. “Contrada Cavaliere” 2017
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White wine made in Sicily, Italy.
Vineyard in Contrada Cavaliere, south-west slope of Mount Etna, within the municipality of Santa Maria di Licodia. This contrada is known for its high elevation, low rainfall rate and abundant luminosity.
Made from 100% Carricante, Etna’s noble autochthonous white grape variety. The vines are grown on sandy, volcanic soils that are rich in minerals, with sub-acid reaction. The 50-year-old vines are trained in rows and pruned using the Guyot system. The mountainous climate is humid but less rainy than in other areas of Etna in the colder season, with good ventilation and very significant temperature changes between day and night.
The grapes are harvested by hand after the second week of October. In the cellar, they are de-stemmed and pressed softly. Fermentation takes place over about 12 days in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature, using a specific autochthonous yeast selected in the vineyard by Benanti after years research and experimentation. The wine is left to mature in the tank on its fine lees with periodic stirrings for 12 months. The wine then spends 6 months in the bottle before it is released.
The wine aromas are intense, ample and delicate, with hints of orange blossom and ripe apple. Dry on the palate, and mineral, with a pleasant acidity and an aromatic persistence of anise and almond on the finish.
"At the end of the 19th century, Giuseppe Benanti, the great-grandfather of Dr. Giuseppe Benanti, in Viagrande (Catania) on the slopes of Mount Etna, in one of his father's old farms, began the production of wine. In 1988, Giuseppe Benanti restored the family business and conducted a voluminous research into wine The study of the soils on the slopes of Etna. He also researched specific clones of the region's vines and new techniques for reproducing ancient aromas using the latest methods of winemaking, creating a perfect fusion of the past and the present. As a result of five years of research, unique tasting wines that recreate ancient aromas and preserving them despite the times. They produce wines with a unique character that conveys the culture and passion for the production of wines of the Benanti family, respecting terroirs and old "palmenti." It was this passion that led to the discovery of the secrets of the territory around Etna, sending them first to the island of Pantelleria and then to Pacino. The acceptance of wines is in the niche of high quality wines, and the demand for these wines is constantly growing. The main reason for this is the quality of the wines, which is known both in Italy and abroad, and which is confirmed by the many awards received annually from the most important organizations and exhibitions. "
Carricante gives wines elegance and freshness. Varietal white wines made from carricante are distinguished by the subtlety and grace of aromas, in which you can find herbal and floral notes, as well as the presence of citrus hues and bright minerality.
The ground here is blessed by the sun and the Mediterranean climate as if it was created for winemaking. Due to the large number of sunny days the grapes quickly become candied and turn into raisins, which is why dessert wines compose about 90% of total wine production. One of the most outstanding sweet wines in the region is Marsala. However do not ignore the red and white wines, which are produced all over the island by both large and small manufacturers. The main varieties allowed are Nero d'Avola, Nerello Mascelese and Catarratto.