Etna Rosso D.O.C. “Contrada Monte Serra” 2017
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Red wine made in Sicily, Italy.
Made from only Nerello Mascalese planted in vineyards of Contrada Monte Serra, on the South-east slope of Mount Etna, within the territory of Viagrande. Elevation is 450 m. 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. The climate is hilly, humid and rainy in the colder season, with good ventilation and significant swings between day and evening temperatures.
Hand harvested 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 wine is filled with 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.
"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. "
Nerello Mascalese is a dark-skinned grape variety which gives elegant and fresh red wines with dark fruit, herbaceous aromas, vibrant minerality and an earthy nuance. Wines usually have elevated, but very balanced acidity and very soft tannins.
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.