Benanty, wine from Etna

I had a chance to attend a dinner party at A16 in San Francisco with Mr. Agatino Maurizio Failla from BENANTI.

BENANTY is a winery in Etna.
Etna DOC is located at the slopes of Mt. Etna in an Italian island of Sicily.
There, the reflection from Mediterranean sea helps grapes to ripen, and vineyards at higher altitude benefit from cooler temperature which helps grapes to retain acidity and fresh aromas.

Etna Bianco 2015
It was refreshing and had depth. The wine has no oak, but lees stirring adds complexity to the flavor.
I sometimes find flavors of lees stirring in white wine a little distracting but with this wine, the extra flavor was integrated very nicely.
Really good wine.

They make single variety red wines.

Nerello Mascalese 2013 had stronger structure but soft mouth feel.
Ripe and fresh red fruit.

Nerello Cappuccio 2013 was aged in stainless steel and had lower tannin.
Fruit was fresh.
There are certain numbers of people who like lower tannin, refreshing style wine, and this is made for them!.

These grapes are usually blended together, but they stood alone strongly as single varietal wine.

Etna Rosso is a blend of local varieties such as Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio.
Serra Della Contessa 2004 had layers of aromas of dark fruit, herbs, spices and earthiness.
Deep and strong. Lovely wine!

Mr. Failla was gentle, amiable, and very enthusiastic about wine.
The food was good and wines were great, and to enjoy them with a person who works hard for the wine is very special.
It was a great pleasure to dine with him.