About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes grow at 700 metres above sea level on the northern side of Mount Etna, near Castiglione di Sicilia. The soils are volcanic and rich in minerals. A moderate climate and pronounced day–night temperature shifts contribute to late ripening.
Grapes
Nerello Cappuccio has long been cultivated on Mount Etna, although its decline in recent decades has placed the variety at risk of disappearing. The fruit used for this wine comes from a long programme of selection and propagation.
Vinification
Harvest begins around mid-October. The must undergoes a long fermentation with extended skin maceration, followed by malolactic fermentation.
Ageing
The wine matures for 8–10 months in 225-litre oak barrels, then rests in bottle for several additional months before release.
Label / history
The Benanti winemaking dynasty dates to the late 19th century, when Giuseppe Benanti, great-grandfather and namesake of the current owner, planted vineyards near Viagrande on Mount Etna. After taking ownership in 1988, Dr Giuseppe Benanti studied the area’s soils and native grape varieties. The estate follows environmentally responsible winemaking principles and places particular emphasis on vineyard work.
