What kind of wine is Etna Rosso DOC “Contrada Cavaliere” 2022 - Benanti?

The Etna Rosso DOC “Contrada Cavaliere” 2022 - Benanti is a wine that tells the extraordinary story of Europe's highest volcano. Made from 100% Nerello Mascalese grapes, sourced from a vineyard located about 900 meters above sea level in the district from which it takes its name, this red represents one of the most authentic and refined interpretations of the southwestern side of Etna. The wine stands out for its natural elegance, a balanced body, and a profile that embodies the deep connection to the Etnean territory, characterized by volcanic soils, temperature fluctuations, and altitude.

Vintage Details

The 2022 vintage on Etna was characterized by a regular climate, with sunny days and cool nights that favored a slow and complete maturation of the grapes. The manual harvest between late September and early October allowed for the selection of only the best bunches, ensuring aromatic concentration and acid balance. The result is a wine that combines freshness, complexity, and a typically volcanic mineral character.

Vinification and Aging

After destemming and soft pressing, the fermentation of the Etna Rosso DOC “Contrada Cavaliere” 2022 - Benanti takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature, with maceration on the skins for about 20 days. After malolactic fermentation, the wine ages for at least 12 months in French oak barrels, where it develops depth and harmony. This is followed by further aging in the bottle to complete its evolution and ensure elegance and longevity.

Tasting Notes

A wine that interprets the soul of Nerello Mascalese and the Etnean terroir with finesse and personality. The sensory experience is complete and progressive, from the visual nuances to the long finish.

Color

To the eye, it presents a luminous ruby red, crossed by garnet reflections that attest to the wine's elegant character and maturity.

Nose

The aroma is broad and multifaceted: notes of ripe cherry, small red fruits, and orange peel emerge, followed by floral accents and slight spicy touches of pepper and sweet tobacco. The bouquet remains crisp and mineral, a distinctive sign of Etna's volcanic soils.

Palate

On the palate, it is harmonious, fresh, and structured. The tannins are fine and well-integrated, the texture is elegant, and the sip reveals a pleasant underlying savoriness that enhances its persistence. The finish is long and balanced, with fruity and mineral hints that invite another taste.

What to pair with Etna Rosso DOC “Contrada Cavaliere” 2022 - Benanti

Perfect for accompanying Mediterranean cuisine, the Etna Rosso DOC “Contrada Cavaliere” 2022 pairs well with flavorful but not excessively structured dishes. It is ideal with:

• Grilled or roasted red meats
• Light game dishes such as rabbit or quail
• Aged but not overly pungent cheeses
• First courses with ragu or mushrooms

A traditional and very successful pairing is with Sicilian lasagna or a platter of local cured meats.

Storage and Aging: how to store Etna Rosso DOC “Contrada Cavaliere” 2022 - Benanti

To best preserve the qualities of this Etna Rosso, it is recommended to store it horizontally, away from direct light and at a constant temperature of about 14-16°C. The ideal humidity is around 70% to keep the cork elastic and well-sealed. If well stored, the Etna Rosso DOC “Contrada Cavaliere” 2022 - Benanti has an aging potential of at least 8-10 years, during which it will develop further nuances of elegance and complexity.