Contrada Monte Serra
Etna Bianco
Appellation
Etna D.O.C. Bianco
On the mountain.
Vigna in Contrada Monte Serra, versante sud-est dell’Etna, nel territorio del Comune di Viagrande (CT). Altitudine 450-500 m. s.l.m.
In the vineyard.
Vineyard of Carricante with an east-facing aspect. Vines are planted in sandy, volcanic soil, rich in “ripiddu” (small pumice lava stones) and minerals, with sub-acid reaction. The plants are mostly young, all trained with the alberello method (head-trained bush vines), with a planting density of about 8,000 vinestocks per hectare and a yield of approximately 6,500 kg/ha. The climate is hilly, humid and rainy in the colder season, with good ventilation and significant swings between day and evening temperatures.
In the Cellar.
The grapes are harvested by hand in late September/early October. In the cellar, they are de-stemmed and pressed softly. Fermentation takes place over about 15 days in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperature, using a specific autochthonous yeast selected in the vineyard by Benanti after several years of research and experimentation. The wine is left to mature in the tank on its fine lees with periodic stirrings for 12 months. The wine then spends 6 months in the bottle before it is released.
In the Glass.
The wine is a pale yellow with bright greenish reflections. The aromas are intense, ample and rich, with an elegant bouquet featuring delicate hints of orange blossom and ripe apple. On the palate, the wine continues with a refined balance between softness and acidity, the latter expressed through a savory freshness, leading to a long, persistent finish marked by notes of anise, citrus, and almond. Serving temperature: 10°-12 °C.
At the Table.
It pairs well with all fish-based dishes, even elaborate ones.
