What kind of wine is Etna Rosso DOC 2022 - Benanti?

The Etna Rosso DOC 2022 - Benanti is born on the slopes of Mount Etna, in one of Sicily's most acclaimed areas for producing characterful red wines. It is an elegant and harmonious wine, primarily made from Nerello Mascalese grapes with a small percentage of Nerello Cappuccio. These two indigenous grape varieties work in synergy to create a medium-bodied red, balanced and with a distinct territorial imprint, capable of conveying the minerality and freshness of its volcanic terroir in every sip.

Vintage Details

The 2022 vintage on Etna was characterized by regular climatic conditions, with warm but not excessive summers and good day-night temperature variations. This favored a slow and uniform ripening of the grapes, ensuring clear aromas and excellent tannic structure. The grapes are hand-picked between October and November in vineyards located between 450 and 800 meters above sea level, where the fresh mountain air helps preserve acidity and aromatic fragrance.

Winemaking and Aging

The Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio grapes are vinified separately in stainless steel to enhance the specific characteristics of each varietal. Fermentation occurs at controlled temperatures with a light maceration on the skins (a phase where the must remains in contact with the solid parts of the grape to extract color and tannins). A portion of the wine obtained from Nerello Mascalese subsequently ages in barriques — small oak barrels — for several months, while the rest rests in stainless steel. The final blend is then composed with balance, based on the peculiarities of the vintage, to achieve a harmonious and consistent taste profile with the Benanti style.

Tasting Notes

The Etna Rosso DOC 2022 - Benanti is a wine that offers pleasant complexity during tasting, with aromas and sensations that evolve in the glass.

Color

It presents a brilliant ruby red color with garnet reflections, a sign of youth but also of potential evolution.

Nose

On the nose, it is delicate and intriguing: scents of ripe red fruits like cherry and raspberry emerge, accompanied by delicate spicy notes and aromatic herbs, typical of volcanic soils. The bouquet is completed by mineral hints reminiscent of volcanic rock.

Palate

On the palate, it is balanced, with a medium structure, delicate and well-integrated tannins, and a pleasant freshness that lengthens the drinkability. The persistence is elegant, with a fruity and slightly spicy finish that invites another sip.

Food Pairings for Etna Rosso DOC 2022 - Benanti

This wine pairs perfectly with Mediterranean and Sicilian dishes. It is versatile, ideal for accompanying:

• Pasta dishes with meat or mushroom sauces
• Grilled white and red meats
• Semi-aged cheeses
• Typical dishes like pasta alla Norma or fennel sausages

Its freshness and good structure also make it perfect for those who want a balanced yet never heavy red wine for an entire meal.

Storage and Aging

For those wondering how to store Etna Rosso DOC 2022 - Benanti wine, it is advisable to keep it in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature around 14-16°C. The bottle should be kept on its side to keep the cork moist. Thanks to its structure and well-balanced tannic component, this wine can evolve positively for several years after the harvest, refining more complex aromas and acquiring greater harmony. It therefore represents an interesting choice both for immediate consumption and for a short aging period of 3-5 years in a home cellar.