Benanti - Pietramarina Etna Bianco Superiore, 2013
For Pietramarina, the grapes are sourced from Contrada Rinazzo, on the eastern slope of the volcano, near Milo. This wine is made entirely from Carricante. To produce this white, the grapes are hand-harvested and softly pressed. The must is then fermented for 12 days in stainless steel vats. Before being released, the wine matures for three years: two in steel vats and then one in the bottle.
In the glass, the wine has a rich lemon hue. On the nose, it has a pronounced intensity and a focused precision. Aromas of grapefruit and yellow peach mingle with acacia leaves, hay and cardamon. Suggestions of banana and sweet petrol are reminiscent of a great Alsatian riesling. On the palate, Pietramarina is full in body and exudes profound flavours. This wine has great tension, moving between its crystalline acidity and creamy texture. The flavour profile is complex, featuring perfectly ripe citrus and yellow peach aromas as well as suggestions of candied lemon, orange blossoms, summer herbs and cardamon. Tertiary flavours are starting to develop such as sweet petrol, hay and marzipan. A poised and focused wine, nuanced and multi-layered. Long and grand finish.