2006 Etna Rosso Riserva Serra della Contessa
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Tasting notes
Concentrated ruby still quite youthful. Touch of lead pencil and orange peel. Almost cool, understated palate, with chalky tannin Quite high acidity, so set to be ageing for ever. (WS)
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2006 Etna Rosso Serra della Contessa shows terrific energy and vibrancy in its dark fruit. Medium in body, the Serra della Contessa impresses for its balance and finesse. Flowers, spices, French oak and a burst of red berries inform the long, round finish. Serra della Contessa is Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio from vines that are over 100 years old.
The 2006 Etna Rosso Serra della Contessa shows terrific energy and vibrancy in its dark fruit. Medium in body, the Serra della Contessa impresses for its balance and finesse. Flowers, spices, French oak and a burst of red berries inform the long, round finish. Serra della Contessa is Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio from vines that are over 100 years old. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2018. Lamoremio that is already a touch forward and probably not built for the long haul. Still, it should drink beautifully for at least a few years. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2016. Benanti is a reference-point producer for beautiful wines from the Etna and Pachino, two of Sicily’s most privileged spots. It’s pretty hard to go wrong with any of these new releases. Importer: JA-AR Imports, Ltd., Stellar Cellars, East Brunswick, NJ; tel. (732) 762-9524
About the producer
Benanti is one of the founding fathers of modern-day wine in Sicily, with Giuseppe Benanti an early champion of wines made from the slopes of Mount Etna. Today the property is in the hands of Giuseppe’s children and remains one of the region’s leading names.