About Benanti Etna Rosso Serra della Contessa
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio
- Price Range
- ¥9,000-13,000
- reference estimate converted from overseas retail pricing; not confirmed at Japanese importers
- Alcohol
- 14%
A single-contrada Etna Rosso from Contrada Monte Serra, on the southeast slope of Etna near Viagrande at roughly 500m, blending approximately 85% Nerello Mascalese with 15% Nerello Cappuccio from pre-phylloxera, ungrafted alberello (bush-trained) vines. Since 2015 Benanti has focused the top bottling exclusively on this historic parcel, extending vinification, maturation and refinement to around 60 months, producing a structured, long-lived Riserva of very limited quantity.
Serra della Contessa is Benanti's proof that Nerello Mascalese from pre-phylloxera vines can rival serious Burgundy in structure and aging potential — Etna's answer to grand cru terroir.
New to wine?
More tannic and structured than Benanti's entry Etna Rosso — a good next step for those ready to explore Etna's serious, age-worthy reds.
Food Pairings
Structured tannins and bright acidity make this a natural partner for roast lamb, braised beef, and aged pecorino. It also holds up to grilled game and mushroom-based dishes.
When to drink it
Special occasion dinners, cellar-aging purchases, pairing with substantial meat dishes
Terroir & Winemaking
Approximately 85% Nerello Mascalese, 15% Nerello Cappuccio from pre-phylloxera, ungrafted bush vines (alberello) planted at high density (9,000-10,000 vines/ha) in Contrada Monte Serra. Fermented with extended maceration, aged in large oak casks, with total vinification-to-release timeline extended to roughly 60 months for the modern Riserva bottling.
About the producer
BenantiThe pioneer of Etna's wine renaissance, crafting elegant volcanic wines.Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What grapes make up Benanti Serra della Contessa?
- Approximately 85% Nerello Mascalese and 15% Nerello Cappuccio, from pre-phylloxera, ungrafted bush vines in Contrada Monte Serra.
- Why is this wine considered special among Benanti's reds?
- Since 2015 Benanti has dedicated this bottling exclusively to a small parcel of centenarian, ungrafted vines and extended aging to roughly 60 months, making it one of the estate's most structured and age-worthy reds.
- What does Serra della Contessa taste like?
- Expect aromas of clove, dried rose and crushed pine, with a silky palate of red cherry, cranberry, minerals and iron notes, backed by firm but fine tannins.
- What food pairs well with Serra della Contessa?
- Roast lamb, braised beef, aged pecorino, and grilled game are classic pairings; it also matches richly seasoned Japanese dishes like simmered beef or duck.
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