About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes are grown at 900 metres above sea level on the eastern and northern slopes of Mount Etna. The vineyards have mineral-rich, sandy volcanic soils and experience pronounced differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures.
Grapes
The blend contains equal proportions of Carricante and Chardonnay.
Vinification
The grapes are traditionally harvested in mid-October and carefully selected. They are gently pressed without breaking the seeds, then fermented in oak barrels at 20–23 °C.
Ageing
After fermentation, the wine remains in the same oak barrels on its lees for at least one year. It then rests in the cellar for a further 6–8 months after bottling.
Tasting profile
The wine retains freshness and has a delicate flavour.
Label / history
The Benanti winemaking dynasty began in the late nineteenth century, when Giuseppe Benanti, great-grandfather and namesake of the current owner, planted vineyards near Viagrande on the slopes of Mount Etna. Dr Giuseppe Benanti took ownership in 1988 and studied the local soils and native grape varieties before introducing modern winemaking methods for traditional grapes.
