2013 Benanti Etna Rosso ‘Rosso di Verzella’

Region: Faro < Sicily < Italy
Grapes: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Capuccio
Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Biodiversity in the vineyard, no chemicals used, hand-harvested. Native yeast only, fermented in stainless steel, aged in used barrique, minimal sulfur added
Winemaker: Antonio Benanti

From the first family to make serious wines on the rocky, volcanic slopes of Etna. They resurrected the local grapes, and essentially created the model for Etna wines that we know (and love) today – light texture, purity of red fruit and mineral flavors, a refreshing nature, with elegance and subtlety. This is the Benanti family’s entry-level Etna Rosso, and it’s classic: lively and pure with ripe cherry, white pepper and a silky palate balanced by bright acidity. Pretty, silky and a bit Pinot-esque, this is always a pleaser.