Benanti Etna Rosso 2020 – A Taste of Fire, Stone & Sicilian Elegance

Some wines are made. This one is forged.

Born on the slopes of Mount Etna, an active volcano that breathes life and fire into the land, Benanti Etna Rosso 2020 is a true expression of Sicilian terroir. The vines grow in mineral-rich volcanic soil, kissed by Mediterranean breezes and nurtured by dramatic temperature shifts between day and night—resulting in a wine that is both elegant and powerful, structured yet refreshingly vibrant.

This isn’t just a bottle of wine. It’s a sip of history, geology, and Sicilian soul. 

Mount Etna dominates the eastern coastline of Sicily, Europe’s highest and most active volcano. Over centuries, it has shaped the landscape, leaving behind mineral-rich lava flows that create some of the most unique
vineyards in the world.

Benanti Etna Rosso 2020 carefully selects grapes from vineyards on the northern, southeastern, and southwestern slopes of Etna. Each exposure brings a different character to the final wine:

• Northern Slopes – Cooler climate, higher altitude = Bright acidity, refined tannin
• Southeastern Slopes – More sun exposure = Ripe red fruit, richness
• Southwestern Slopes – Balanced warmth = Soft structure, rounded complexity  
  

The Grapes – The Heart of Etna

Nerello Mascalese (80-85%) – The king of Etna’s reds, often compared to Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo for its elegance, bright fruit, and fine tannins. It brings aromas of red berries, wild herbs, and smoky minerality.

Nerello Cappuccio (15-20%) – The perfect supporting act, adding depth, floral aromatics, and spice.

Aging is carefully balanced to retain freshness while adding structure:

• 80% of the Nerello Mascalese matures in stainless steel, keeping its bright red fruit character.
• 20% rests in oak barriques for 8-10 months, introducing delicate notes of spice and warmth.
• Nerello Cappuccio remains in stainless steel, ensuring purity and vibrancy.

The result is a wine that is both youthful and complex, fresh yet deeply structured.

Tasting Notes – A Volcanic Expression in Every Sip

• Color: Pale ruby, shimmering in the glass—a hint of its refined yet powerful nature.
  
  
• Aroma: Ethereal and inviting. Crushed red cherries, fresh roses, and a touch of Mediterranean herbs. Subtle earthy notes emerge—hints of volcanic ash, black pepper, and dried wildflowers.
  
  
• Palate: A lively burst of sour cherry and red berries, wrapped in silky tannins. The volcanic soil adds a distinct minerality and a whisper of salinity—a signature of Mount Etna’s terroir. There’s a refreshing acidity that makes each sip more intriguing than the last, while subtle oak aging introduces a touch of spice and structure.
  
  
• Finish: Long, refined, and captivating. Notes of wild strawberry, crushed rocks, and a hint of iron linger beautifully.

This is a wine with energy and elegance—the kind that keeps you reaching for another sip. 

Critical Acclaim – What the Experts Say

93 Points – James Suckling
"A lovely nose of crushed red cherries, fresh roses, and crushed herbs. Medium-bodied with firm yet elegant tannins. Well balanced, with a pleasantly nuanced and subtle approach. Sour cherry and green strawberry."

91 Points – Wine Enthusiast
"Strawberries, black pepper, and crushed rocks show on the nose, with hints of vanilla and mint. The palate offers flavors of just-ripened cherries, snappy skin, and a mineral-driven saltiness. Firm tannins and bright acid make it incredibly fresh."

These high scores confirm what Sicilians have known for centuries—Etna Rosso is a world-class wine.