Discover the Heritage Behind Every Bottle
Every great wine begins long before the bottle is opened. It begins with the land, the climate and the people who shape it. In our Wine Stories series, we take you deep into the heart of Sicily, where centuries-old traditions blend effortlessly with modern craftsmanship.
Quick answer: Sicilian wine is shaped by Mediterranean sun, volcanic soils on Mount Etna and families who have refined their skills over generations. The result is wines with a strong sense of place.
The Soul of Sicilian Terroir
Here, youโll explore the origins of the wines we curate: the sun-drenched vineyards, the passion of the winemakers and the unique terroir that gives Sicilian wines their unmistakable identity. Discover how each grape variety thrives under the Mediterranean sun and how families have refined their skills over generations.
On Mount Etna, that terroir is volcanic. Benantiโs vineyards climb the mountainโs north, southeast and southwest slopes at 450 to 900 meters above sea level, and the high-altitude volcanic soils give the wines their mineral signature. To see how Sicily fits into Italyโs wine regions, see our guide to Italian wine appellations.
Generations of Passion and Craftsmanship
The vines behind our Etna Rosso are between 10 and 60 years old and are trained in the traditional alberello (bush vine) and spurred cordon systems. The grapes are harvested by hand in October, destemmed and vinified separately in stainless steel using the estateโs indigenous yeast. About 80% of the Nerello Mascalese ages in stainless steel, while 20% matures for 8 to 10 months in second-passage French oak barriques. The wine is then blended and rested 2 to 3 months in bottle before release.
It is a clear example of Old World tradition meeting modern technique. Read more in our guide to Old World vs New World wine.
Stories Rooted in Tradition
This space is dedicated to storytelling that connects you to the roots of every bottle. From harvest rituals to the artistry behind fermentation, Wine Stories invites you to experience Sicily at its purest: one vineyard, one family and one tradition at a time.
A Sicilian Wine from Our Cellar
| Detail | 2022 Benanti Etna Rosso |
|---|---|
| Region | Etna DOC, Mount Etna, Sicily |
| Grapes | 80 to 85% Nerello Mascalese, 15 to 20% Nerello Cappuccio |
| Vineyards | North, southeast and southwest slopes, 450 to 900 m |
| Harvest | By hand, in October |
| Style | Medium-bodied, dry, with red berries, volcanic minerality and saline freshness |
| Alcohol | 13.5% ABV |
| Drink | Now through 2030 |
Discover the 2022 Benanti Etna Rosso, a medium-bodied Etna red with a 89-point Wine Spectator rating. It pairs well with red meats, aged cheeses, rich white meats and fish dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Sicilian wine special?
Sicilian wine reflects its land, its Mediterranean climate and the families who have refined their craft over generations. Grapes thrive in the sun-drenched vineyards, and on Mount Etna the volcanic terroir adds a mineral edge.
What grapes are used in Etna Rosso?
Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio. The 2022 Benanti Etna Rosso is 80 to 85% Nerello Mascalese and 15 to 20% Nerello Cappuccio.
What does Etna Rosso taste like?
Red berry aromas with subtle volcanic minerality, lively acidity, fine tannins and a saline freshness. It is medium-bodied and dry.
At what altitude are Etnaโs vineyards?
Benantiโs vineyards sit on Etnaโs slopes at 450 to 900 meters above sea level.
How is Benanti Etna Rosso made?
Grapes are hand-harvested in October and fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeast. About 80% of the Nerello Mascalese ages in steel and 20% in second-passage French oak for 8 to 10 months, followed by 2 to 3 months in bottle.
What food goes with Etna Rosso?
Red meats, aged cheeses, rich white meats and fish dishes.
Does LENOO Wine deliver Sicilian wine in Florida?
Yes. We deliver across Florida, with free shipping on 6+ bottles.
Explore Sicily with LENOO Wine
At LENOO Wine, we bring carefully selected Italian wines to wine lovers across Florida. Browse our red wines, or try the Wine Discovery Pack, which brings 6 hand-selected bottles to your door with delivery across Florida.
