2017 Etna Rosso Riserva Serra della Contessa
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
85% Nerello Mascalese, 15% Nerello Cappuccio co-planted in a vineyard located in Contrada Monte Serra, on the south-east slope of Mount Etna, at 500 m (1,640 ft). The Particella No 587 is from a small, pre-phylloxera portion of the vineyard with vines over 100 years old. Such a pretty nose, airy and flirtatious. Crunchy acidity and tannins absolutely flooded with precise crystalline acidity, long and geometric. Gentle, sweet charcuterie note and then really sweet, dusty spices – pimenton dulce and allspice. Slightly peppery finish. Great tenderness and a more gentle timbre than the 2017 Rovittello tasted alongside. Love the tremolo of pepper on the finish. (TC)
Critic scores
Average Score
Tamlyn Currin, jancisrobinson.com
Eric Guido, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Crushed rocks, rose petals and dried strawberries form a dusty and darkly alluring bouquet as the 2017 Etna Rosso Riserva Serra della Contessa Particella No. 587 grumbles up from the glass. It's silky-smooth and elegant in style. Polished red fruits and mineral tones add traction under an air of violet inner florals. Hints of sour citrus combine with a bump of residual acidity to add balance, even as grippy tannins clamp down hard through the long and structured finale. Today, the 2017 is primary, yet its potential is very high.
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.