Benanti Etna Rosso | 2020

Nowadays, it's tough to find a reliable Etna Rosso under $30 a bottle, but Benanti stands alone and continues to make the best in its class. From grapes selected from vineyards located on the north, southeast, and southwest slopes of the volcano, the blend is 80-85% Nerello Mascalese with the balance of seductive spice-giver, Nerello Cappuccio. De-stemmed, the two grapes vinify separately, both in steel with medium-length maceration. Fun Fact? Benanti’s own indigenous yeast, selected from local vineyards through years of research, aid the fermentation. The majority of aging takes place in steel, with only 20% of the Nerello Mascalese aging in used French Oak barriques. I love the Benanti style, it's unforgivingly nervy and dry but generous with its pitch-perfect quality of fruit. ~Allegra A