[vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” equal_height=”yes” css=”.vc_custom_1579102602828{padding-top: 2em !important;padding-right: 10% !important;padding-bottom: 2em !important;padding-left: 10% !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1559125340011{padding-right: 20% !important;padding-left: 20% !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-3″][\/vc_column][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1579102557798{padding-top: 10% !important;padding-right: 10% !important;padding-bottom: 10% !important;padding-left: 10% !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: contain !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-6″]\n\t
The Benanti name represents a profound respect for Etna’s wine vocation. In fact, the volcano and its terroir present an important heterogeneity, which makes each slope or area particularly suitable for one grape variety over another. Mount Etna stands more than 3,000 meters high. Its slopes show substantial differences for winegrowing, including variable exposures, temperature range, altitude, volcanic soil, brightness, rainfall, rate ventilation, influence of the sea, and farming systems.<\/p>\n
The DOC area, semi-circular in shape, extends from north to southwest in a clockwise direction, with an elevation that, depending on the slope, varies from 450 to 1050 meters above sea level.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div> [vc_single_image image=”5188″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1710243896623{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 5% !important;padding-right: 5% !important;padding-bottom: 5% !important;padding-left: 5% !important;}”][\/vc_column][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1559125377375{padding-right: 10% !important;padding-left: 10% !important;}” offset=”vc_col-lg-3″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1558468673987{padding-top: 7em !important;padding-bottom: 7em !important;}”][vc_column width=”1\/4″][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″]\n\t
Benanti is the only winery with vineyards on every slope of the Etna DOC area<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div> [\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/4″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row” el_class=”half-height”][vc_column][vc_tta_tabs style=”flat” shape=”square” color=”black” spacing=”30″ alignment=”center” active_section=”1″][vc_tta_section title=”Contrada Calderara Sottana” tab_id=”Calderara-Sottana”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″]\n\t
Randazzo<\/em><\/p>\n Contrada characterized by the same pedogenesis as that of Dafara Galluzzo, whose soils have evolved on a matrix belonging to the geological period \u201cMongibello antico\u201d, which originated over ten thousand years ago.<\/p>\n The wine originating from Contrada Calderara Sottana is: <\/p> Located on the north side of the volcano, the area enjoys a mildly humid climate, a factor that has influenced an evolution of the soils towards very fine granules and very small particles, below a very stony surface layer which assure excellent water retention and a good supply of organic humus.<\/p>\n The favorable combination of climate and soil guarantees balanced fertility and optimal ripening of the grapes; it is for this reason that Calderara Sottana is considered one of the most suitable contrade for the cultivation of the vine. The wines that are produced here are, in fact, particularly appreciated for their longevity and aromatic complexity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div> [\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”5168″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1710243971178{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 5% !important;padding-right: 5% !important;padding-bottom: 5% !important;padding-left: 5% !important;}”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner]\n\t 50 years old. Trained with spurred cordon systems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div> [\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_gallery interval=”5″ images=”5086,5092,5090,5088″ img_size=”full” onclick=””][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Contrada Dafara Galluzzo” tab_id=”dafara-galluzzo”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″]\n\t Castiglione di Sicilia<\/em><\/p>\n In Rovittello, a prestigious hamlet in the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia, only red varieties are grown, using the traditional alberello (head-trained bush vines) system. A number of these vines are more than one-hundred years old and ungrafted.<\/p>\n The wines originating from Contrada Dafara Galluzzo are: <\/p> Of the four Contrade where we work, Rovittello is the one with the oldest soils. The matrix of the landscape belongs to the Etna geological period called Ancient Mongibello<\/i><\/em>, with a genesis more than ten-thousand years old.<\/p>\n Located on the north side of the volcano, the area enjoys a mildly humid climate, a factor that has influenced an evolution of the soils towards very fine granules and very small particles, which assure\u00a0excellent water retention and a good supply of organic humus. The result is fertile soils, suitable for all agricultural plants. Vines are historically cultivated in this area.<\/p>\n Rovittello is particularly suited to the cultivation of red cultivars. Here Nerello Mascalese shows good structure and fresh acidity. The temperature range of this area is supported by its particular morphology, without direct marine influences. The old vineyards of this district were partially covered by lava in September 1911 during an eruption that gave birth to Etna’s northeast crater, an event that pushed volcanic material in the direction of the Alcantara river.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div> [\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”5176″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image” css=”.vc_custom_1710243988998{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 5% !important;padding-right: 5% !important;padding-bottom: 5% !important;padding-left: 5% !important;}”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner]\n\t From the small old vineyard, Parcel N\u00b0 341 \u2014 planted with centenary vines of Nerello Mascalese and, to a minimal extent, Nerello Cappuccio \u2014 we obtain a single wine, the Etna Rosso Riserva Rovittello Particella N\u00b0 341. Our Etna Rosso Contrada Dafara Galluzzo is born from the remaining part of the Nerello Mascalese vineyard.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div> [vc_empty_space][vc_gallery interval=”5″ images=”3801,3800,4481,4012,3799″ img_size=”full”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Contrada Rinazzo” tab_id=”rinazzo”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″]\n\t Milo<\/em><\/p>\n The tiny municipality of Milo is the only area permitted for wines labeled Etna Bianco Superiore, according to the Etna D.O.C. rules. In this steep vineyard, composed of numerous small terraces with dry lava stone walls overlooking the Ionian Sea, only Carricante is grown. Vines are trained in alberello and supported by a traditional chestnut post.<\/p>\n The wines originating from Contrada Rinazzo are: <\/p> Eastern\u00a0exposure in the direction of the Ionian Sea, five miles away, with constant ventilation.<\/p>\n These soils have evolved on relatively recent lava substrates (Mongibello Giovane). The climate in Milo is rather rainy and humid. Together with the elevation, soils have a very fine grain and the capacity for marked water retention that donates good physiochemical fertility to the vineyard, which assists in easy crop development and exquisite quality.<\/p>\n Above certain elevations the maturation of grapes can be delayed. Here, in the upper reaches of Milo, there has been a historical consolidation of the Carricante variety. There is a particular tendency for wines grown in this area to maintain a sustained acidity, freshness and aromatic finesse, which has meant that in this unique corner of the Etna DOC, the sub-appellation Etna Bianco Superiore is allowed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div> [\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”5184″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image” css=”.vc_custom_1710244001804{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 5% !important;padding-right: 5% !important;padding-bottom: 5% !important;padding-left: 5% !important;}”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner]\n\t All the parcels of our vineyard in Milo are planted to Carricante. The vines are trained in alberello<\/i><\/em>\u00a0(head-trained bush vines) supported by\u00a0the traditional chestnut post, and are of variable ages. From the highest part of the vineyard, where small terraces are less sandy, Etna Bianco Superiore Pietra Marina is born. From the remaining part of this impressive site we produce our Etna Bianco Superiore Contrada Rinazzo.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div> [\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_gallery interval=”5″ images=”4019,4962,4964,3780,4966,4486,4968″ img_size=”full” onclick=””][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Contrada Monte Serra” tab_id=”monte-serra”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″]\n\t Viagrande<\/em><\/p>\n In the town of Viagrande we find the main incoming estate of the winery, on the slope of an ancient volcanic cone that donates its name to the Contrada. The vineyard is primarily composed of native red cultivars organized in the traditional alberello<\/i><\/em>\u00a0system. A number of vines are ungrafted and more than one-hundred years old.<\/p>\n The wines originationg from Contrada Monte Serra are: <\/p> This area was formed by pyroclastic debris\u00a0that erupted from the eponymous volcanic cone following an ancient period\u00a0of explosive activity, which occurred through a conduit independent of Etna’s primary magma chamber. As a result, the volcanic\u00a0cone we call Monte Serra is distant from the central craters, and much closer to the sea. On this substrate, the hyperlocalized soil has evolved\u00a0to light material with high draining capacity. The roots of the vines reach considerable depth in search of water.<\/p>\n From a climatic point of view, Contrada Monte Serra is located in an area that is less humid with a South-Eastern\u00a0exposure. Thanks to the aforementioned pedological characteristics, grapes ripen a little earlier here than on other parts of the mountain, giving life to wines that are softer, elegant and ageworthy.<\/p>\n This area is historically planted\u00a0with Nerello Mascalese but we also find Nerello Cappuccio and\u00a0white grape varieties such as Carricante and, to a small extent, Minnella Bianca.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div> [\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”5180″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1710244020174{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 5% !important;padding-right: 5% !important;padding-bottom: 5% !important;padding-left: 5% !important;}”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner]\n\t The Serra della Contessa Particella No. 587 Etna Rosso Riserva originates from a small, very steep, co-planted plot of centennial alberelli<\/i><\/em>\u00a0growing at the top of the estate. From the lower bordering plots of Nerello Mascalese, which include very old vines, we produce our Etna Rosso Contrada Monte Serra.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div> [\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_gallery interval=”5″ images=”3746,3747,4492,4502,4500,4498,4496,4494″ img_size=”full” onclick=””][\/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title=”Contrada Cavaliere” tab_id=”cavaliere”][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″]\n\t S. Maria di Licod\u00eca<\/em><\/p>\n The vineyards in the municipality of Santa Maria di Licod\u00eca grow at considerable elevations, with favorable conditions for all of Etna’s indigenous red and white varieties that are trained in rows and pruned using a Guyot system.<\/p>\n The wines originating from Contrada Cavaliere are: <\/p> Generally, the southern slopes are geologically younger, thanks to the formation of soils on relatively recent lava flows. However, this contrada occupies outcroppings with soils that are far older, the evolution of which has generated rather fine but complex soils. The vineyard floor has\u00a0considerable physiochemical\u00a0and biological fertility\u00a0that benefits from a warmer\u00a0and drier\u00a0climate\u00a0that is not tempered by sea breezes.<\/p>\n Thanks to the morphology and remarkable elevation in the area, the diurnal shift in temperature is dramatic. This is very important for polyphenolic synthesis and the formation of highly-appreciable aroma\u00a0compounds within the grapes.<\/p>\n Here, both the Nerellos and the Carricante give rise to wines with well-marked aromas and varietal structure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div> [\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”5172″ img_size=”full” css=”.vc_custom_1710244034258{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 5% !important;padding-right: 5% !important;padding-bottom: 5% !important;padding-left: 5% !important;}”][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle”][vc_column_inner]\n\t The highest vineyard is planted to Carricante. The lower one hosts Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. All varieties are trained in rows, vines are up to 55 years old.<\/p>\n From these vineyards we produce the Etna Bianco Contrada Cavaliere<\/em>, the Etna Rosso Contrada Cavaliere<\/em> and the Terre Siciliane Nerello Cappuccio.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div> [\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space][vc_gallery interval=”5″ images=”3785,4509,4949,4951,4511″ img_size=”full” onclick=””][\/vc_tta_section][\/vc_tta_tabs][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1\/5″ offset=”vc_hidden-xs”]\n\t
\n– Contrada Calderara Sottana Etna D.O.C. Rosso <\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\t
Vineyards<\/h3>\n\t\t
\n\t\tNorthern landscape<\/span>Contrada Dafara Galluzzo<\/h3>\n\t\t
\n– Rovittello Particella No. 341 Etna Rosso Riserva<\/a>
\n– Contrada Dafara Galluzzo Etna Rosso<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\t
Vineyards<\/h3>\n\t\t
\n\t\tEastern landscape<\/span>Contrada Rinazzo<\/h3>\n\t\t
\n– Pietra Marina Etna Bianco Superiore<\/a>
\n– Contrada Rinazzo Etna Bianco Superiore<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\t
Vineyards<\/h3>\n\t\t
\n\t\tSouth-Eastern landscape<\/span>Contrada Monte Serra<\/h3>\n\t\t
\n– Serra della Contessa Particella No. 587 Etna Rosso Riserva<\/a>
\n– Contrada Monte Serra Etna Rosso<\/a>
\n– Contrada Monte Serra Etna Bianco<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\t
Vineyards<\/h3>\n\t\t
\n\t\tSouth-western landscape<\/span>Contrada Cavaliere<\/h3>\n\t\t
\n– Contrada Cavaliere Etna Bianco<\/a>
\n– Contrada Cavaliere Etna Rosso<\/a>
\n– Nerello Cappuccio Terre Siciliane<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n\t
Vineyards<\/h3>\n\t\t