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.
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.
2 Likes
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.
4 Likes
Especially along the south and south eastern part of the island, the roads did suck.
2 Likes
- 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
3 Likes
- 2022 Azienda Agricola Bonaccorsi Carricante Terre Siciliane ValCerasa - Italy, Sicily, Terre Siciliane (6/16/2026)
Lovely golden color. Great aromatic intensity with pithy lemon and other citrus, apples, some white blossom, minty phenolics, and a light savory marine note like katsuobushi. Medium high acidity, rather full bodied, feels weightless but has great extraction, and has a very long finish with great saline and mineral character. As this warms up from cellar temp it shows more texture and grows increasingly silky. Open and seriously good but will age effortlessly.
Posted from CellarTracker
1 Like
- 2020 I Vigneri di Salvo Foti Carricante Etna Bianco Superiore Palmento Caselle - Italy, Sicily, Etna Bianco Superiore (7/25/2026)
A seriously impressive Etna Bianco that shows the best of what this slice of the mountain is capable of producing. The wine has a lot of energy and tension but feels delicate and detailed on the palate. Effusive aromas of meyer lemon, citrus blossom, sea spray, a whisper of white smoke and a savory note like katsuobushi. Opens up nicely with an hour of air for now, but this is certainly years away from its peak. This bottle was labelled 594/1277.
Posted from CellarTracker
1 Like
