About this product
The founding expression of modern Etna DOC — from the Serra della Contessa contrada on Etna's north slope at 800m altitude. Ancient pre-phylloxera alberello Nerello Mascalese on volcanic black basalt. Wild fermentation; aged in large Slavonian oak. Pale garnet (Pinot Noir-like colour); dried rose, red cherry, volcanic mineral, dried herbs, and remarkable iron-saline finish from basalt soils. The Pinot Noir of Sicily — delicate, complex, age-worthy. Italy's most discussed emerging wine region's benchmark expression.
Pairing intelligence
complement
Nerello Mascalese's silky tannin and sour cherry character pairs naturally with roasted rabbit — the wine's lightness doesn't overwhelm the delicate meat while the rosemary and wild herbs echo the volcanic island garrigue character of the wine.
classic
main
complement
fish
Nerello Mascalese acidity and mineral volcanic character match firm tuna texture
classic
main
complement
red_meat
Briny, herbaceous lamb pairing amplifies wine's Etna minerality and lifted acidity
established
main
bridge
vegetable
Sweet-sour aubergine and pine nut caponata bridge wine's red fruit and mineral spine
established
starter
complement
cheese
Firm Sicilian cow's cheese echoes the wine's structure and savoury mineral finish
established
cheese
complement
pasta
Volcanic mineral notes and forest mushroom echo each other through the wine
established
main
complement
Benanti Etna Rosso's pale, delicate Nerello Mascalese structure pairs beautifully with swordfish — the Sicilian fish preparation echoes the wine's island terroir while the capers and olives amplify the volcanic mineral and olive notes. A classic Etna DOC pairing.
established
main