Serra della Contessa Etna Rosso Nerello Blend

This was such an enjoyable wine with pasta at home. I had bought the 2012 vintage from the cellar door of both single Cuvées, Rovitello and Contessa and had found them light weight and not worth the money but this 2013 Contessa was wonderful and meant that I might seek out Benanti again in the future. This is savoury cherry earthy smoky herbal and mineral but richer more medium bodied on the palate than the elegant 2012. Totally delicious - fruit mineral and earth - a wonderful Etna Rosso.

One of my favorites at the dinner.

The same 80/20 blend of the 2 Nerellos. Floral red fruits. 18 months in 500 litre used French Oak. Ungrafted vines planted in 1912 which we inspected. Could be drunk now as it is barely medium bodied but should be cellared. Very savoury. Enjoyed it and bought 6.

Lighter but opens up nicely. Great with salmon. Sicilian blend—nerello mascalese 80%, nerello cappuccio 20%. 2013

Absolutely delicious.

Magnificent etna Rosso. Rich nose, deep profound tannins. Decant first. Magnificent.

Licorice and rich black/red fruit. Lots of black cherry and purple flowers. High acidity and dustiness compliment a really interesting and intense wine

Depth without heaviness, perfect integration, subtle red fruit and pepper. A great wine. A tiny bit short.

Favorite Sicilian producer. 2012 was a better year, but great balance when it opens up

Decanted.
Tannins as fine and persistent as the volcanic ash from Etna.
Fruits, flowers and herbs - all dry, cherry, thyme, tea rose.
A long life ahead of it.