Etna Rosso Contrada Monte Serra Benanti

Harmonious, full-bodied, well-structured and versatile wine at the table, Benanti's Etna Rosso Contrada Monte Serra can be drunk immediately or left to age for up to 10 years, if stored correctly.

Classification: Etna D.O.C. Rosso

Grape variety: 100% Nerello Mascalese

Production area: vineyards in Contrada Monte Serra, on the South-east slope of Mount Etna, within the territory of Viagrande (CT)

Altitude: 450 m a.s.l.

Climate: hilly, humid and rainy in the colder season, with good ventilation and significant swings between day and evening temperatures

Soil: sandy, volcanic soil, rich in “ripiddu” (small pumice lava stones) and minerals, with sub-acid reaction (pH 6,3)

Training system: Head-trained bush vines ("alberello")

Age of the vines: mixed ages and include some 100 year old ones

Vine density: 8,000 vines/ha

Yield: 65 quintals/ha

Harvest: manual harvest in late September or early October

Vinification: 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

Aging: 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

Alcohol content: 13.5% by vol

Colour: pale ruby with garnet nuances

Nose: lofty aromas of red fruits and spices

Palate: dry and medium- to full-bodied, with smoother tannins, and a persistent, harmonious finish

Serving temperature: 18-19°C

Food pairings: a very versatile wine to be paired with red meats, game and aged cheeses

Bottled by the Benanti Viticoltori winemaker – Viagrande (CT) - Italy