Lunch with Benanti

Benanti is a winery on the foot of Mount Etna, Sicily.

The history of wine making in Sicily is long, but overall impression of Sicilian wine had been high-yield, low-quality wine.
It was the end of 20th century some wineries started to focus on the higher quality wines, and Benanti is one of the pioneers of high quality Sicilian wine.

Giuseppe Benanti believed in the potential of the land and began investing in vineyards in 1980s, that were almost neglected by his father's generation.
Since taking over the business from their father Giuseppe in 2012, twin brothers Salvino and Antonio pushed the quality of wine making even higher.

There was a lunch event with Mr. Salvino Benanti in San Francisco.

Etna Bianco 2016
This wine is made with Carricante.
Clean mineral and quince. Savoriness from lees contact.

Etna Rosato 2017
Grape is Nerello Mascalese.
Fresh red fruit like cranberry. Refreshing citrus.

Etna Rosso 2015
A blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio
Cranberry, strawberry and decayed rose.

Nerello Cappuccio 2015
Floral and red fruit.
Texture is smooth and easy to drink.

Nerello Mascalese 2014
Red berry, rose, spice, smokiness and incense.
Big wine with a sense of decency.

Serra della Contessa 2013
Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio from a single vineyard.
Just ripe red fruit, not overripe. Finish is long.
Elegant on the nose and richer on the palate.

Rovittello 2013
Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio
Fresh and dried red fruit. Good tannin and long finish.

These are all good food wine. Especially with pasta, of course.