BENANTI CONTRADA CAVALIERE ETNA BIANCO

100% Carricante from one of the south west facing, mineral-rich volcanic Benanti ‘cru’ vineyards. The site gets lots of afternoon and evening sunshine, low rainfall with a long growing season and a significant diurnal temperature difference. The 50 year-old vines are hand harvested in October followed by fermentation in stainless steel using specifically developed yeast. This is followed by 12 months in the tank on the lees and then a further 6 months settling in the bottle before release.

On the nose the characteristic discreet Carricante aromas of yellow fruit, orange blossom and white flowers alongside smoky mineral notes.

On the palate it is balanced – mouth-watering acidity but ripe fruit, with hints of fennel & marzipan and a long, saline, energetic finish.