Benanti Nerello Cappuccio Terre Sicilienne 2020

Originating from the slopes of Mount Etna on Sicily's eastern coast, this wine comes from vineyards located primarily on the volcano's northern side, in the province of Catania. The Nerello Cappuccio vines are planted in volcanic soils, rich in ash and basaltic sand, at a medium altitude, benefiting from significant temperature variations between day and night. This unique terroir, both sunny and breezy, allows the grapes to ripen gradually and gives the wine a precise, fresh expression deeply connected to its island origins.

The Nerello Cappuccio grapes are hand-harvested on the slopes of Mount Etna, then destemmed and lightly crushed before alcoholic fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with skin maceration. Malolactic fermentation then takes place in tanks, followed by aging in stainless steel tanks to preserve the aromatic purity of the grape variety and the mineral expression of the terroir, before bottling and further aging in glass.

This wine reveals notes of crisp red berries , ripe black fruits , and delicate flowers , complemented by hints of sweet spice and a subtle minerality linked to the volcanic soils. On the palate, the wine is supple and elegant, supported by fresh acidity and fine tannins , with a slightly velvety texture. The finish, of medium to good length, is marked by lingering hints of juicy fruit and a saline sensation that adds length and balance.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!