Details:
Product Details
From: Etna, Sicily, Italy
Varietal: Carricante
Taste: The 2020 Benanti Etna Bianco, made from 100% Carricante, pours into the glass with a pale yellow hue, accompanied by bright greenish tints that catch the light. On the nose, this Sicilian treasure captivates with an intense yet delicate bouquet of crisp green apple, orange blossom, and white flowers, evoking the essence of a Mediterranean orchard in full bloom. Swirl the wine and subtle notes of crushed rocks and sea spray emerge, revealing its volcanic origin and the influence of the nearby Ionian Sea.
On the palate, the 2020 Benanti Etna Bianco presents a harmonious balance of dry, mineral-driven flavors with a pleasant salinity. Its mouthwatering acidity is invigorating, while the wine's medium body and silky texture create a satisfying mouthfeel. Flavors of green apple, green plum, and citrus intertwine with the wine's underlying minerality and a signature delicate volcanic echo that lingers on the finish. This Etna Bianco is a true testament to the Carricante grape's ability to express the unique terroir of Mount Etna's slopes.
Pairing: The refreshing acidity and minerality of the 2020 Benanti Etna Bianco make it a versatile companion for a variety of dishes. The wine's bright fruit flavors and saline undertones pair exceptionally well with seafood, such as grilled or poached fish, shrimp scampi, and oysters. Its crisp acidity can also cut through the richness of creamy pasta dishes, risotto, or even a classic Caesar salad.
To experience an authentic Sicilian pairing, serve the 2020 Benanti Etna Bianco alongside traditional dishes from the island (see below for recipe). Consider pairing it with Pasta alla Norma, a classic Sicilian pasta dish made with eggplant, tomatoes, basil, and ricotta salata. The wine's acidity and minerality will complement the dish's savory and earthy flavors. Another regional option is a Sicilian-style seafood couscous, where the wine's bright acidity and salinity will harmonize with the dish's blend of Mediterranean flavors.
For vegetarian options, the 2020 Benanti Etna Bianco's vibrant acidity and mineral character can stand up to dishes with robust flavors and textures. Consider pairing it with a grilled vegetable platter, featuring an assortment of marinated eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. The wine's citrus and green apple notes will accentuate the vegetables' natural sweetness, while its acidity will cut through the marinade's richness. Alternatively, try pairing it with a caponata, a traditional Sicilian dish made from eggplant, tomatoes, olives, and capers. The wine's acidity and saline notes will balance the caponata's sweet and tangy flavors, creating a harmonious dining experience.
Sicilian Stuffed Pizza With Ricotta and Arugula
By David Tanis
About. Sicily, Italy's diverse and sun-drenched island, has long been recognized for its fortified Marsala wines. However, its reputation for high-quality red and white wines is on the rise, thanks in part to the unique microclimates found on the slopes of Mount Etna. Among these distinctive wines, the 2020 Benanti Etna Bianco stands out as a prime example of the region's exquisite offerings.
Benanti Winery: A Legacy of Passion.
Founded by Giuseppe Benanti at the end of the 1800s, the Benanti winery has been dedicated to producing wines that capture the essence of Mount Etna's terroir. Through extensive research, the family has revived indigenous grape varieties and implemented modern vinification practices to create wines that pay homage to their rich heritage. Today, Giuseppe's sons, Antonio and Salvino, continue the family's commitment to excellence, earning numerous accolades for their wines in national and international competitions.
The 2020 Benanti Etna Bianco: A Masterpiece of Carricante
The 2020 Benanti Etna Bianco is crafted from 100% Carricante, a grape variety that has thrived on Mount Etna's slopes for over a thousand years. The vines, ranging in age from 20 to 60 years, are grown in sandy, volcanic soils at elevations between 700 and 950 meters above sea level. These conditions result in a wine that exhibits the unique characteristics of its volcanic terroir.
This pale yellow wine, with bright greenish tints, presents an intense yet delicate nose of apple and orange blossom. On the palate, it is dry and mineral-driven, with a pleasant acidity and salinity. The wine's mouthwatering acidity and harmonious finish make it an ideal pairing for fish and seafood dishes, as well as an excellent choice for by-the-glass consumption.
The winemaking process for this benchmark Etna white involves a 12-day fermentation in stainless steel vats, followed by maturation on fine lees and refinement in the bottle for 2-3 months. This approach allows the wine to retain its attractive freshness and zippy acidity, ensuring great drinking for the next 3 years.
Sicily's Etna DOC: A Land of Volcanic Wonders
The Etna DOC, located on the eastern and southern slopes of Mount Etna, is home to a range of captivating red and white wines. The region's unique climatic conditions and mineral-rich volcanic soils contribute to the distinctive flavor profiles of its wines. Among these, Carricante is the dominant grape for Etna Bianco DOC blends, showcasing the racy minerality and Burgundy-like elegance that has come to define this volcanic terroir.