Which Etna wine are you drinking?

WINE TALK
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While we’re talking Benanti:

Benanti 2022 Etna Bianco Contrada Cavaliere was quite minerally and young. Thought this was a Superiore when I ordered it. Like all carricante that we’ve had, excellent with Sicilian fish dishes. Easy drinker, and that’s not an insult.

No complaints, but probably won’t buy in the U.S. at regular retail prices.

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Fingers crossed.

I think the better Etna whites are some of Italy’s best white wines, and Pietramarina was the first great example I remember drinking.

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Just back from 2 weeks on Sicily, one week near Etna. Lots of great wines and too much great food. Can’t say much for the roads, 3 blown tires among the group over the time there. (2 were mine).

Most interesting producers that we visited and are available in the US: Girolamo Russo (including the i Suoli wines!), Ciro Biondi, Federico Graziani, Vino di Anna. But we had many other great wines in restaurants - Masseria del Pino, Benanti Pietramarina and SRC Barbabecchi were highlights. We didn’t visit or try Maugeri’s whites because I’m already a big fan.

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Especially along the south and south eastern part of the island, the roads did suck.

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  • 2020 Benanti Etna Contrada Monte Serra - Italy, Sicily, Etna DOC (5/16/2026)
    Gave this a 30 minute decant and then consumed through the evening. Transparent garnet with medium bricking. Aromas of red fruit, bay laurel, lavender, soft ash, and a light smokey/gamey aroma like bresaola. The palate has lots of tart red fruit like fresh cranberry and tart cherry, medicinal herbs and bay laurel, lavender, and a soft ashy mineral character. Medium- body, medium+ acidity, medium to high velvety tannins that have seamlessly integrated. This will continue to age well and tannins should integrate more, but the balance of fruit/herbal/mineral character is in the sweet spot for my taste.

Posted from CellarTracker

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