The 2018 vintage reared its ugly head again while tasting through the Benanti Rosso Riservas this year. The Rovittello Particella No. 341 and the Serra della Contessa Particella No. 587 come across as muted versions of themselves. However, the wines are remarkably pretty and finessed. I only question how they will mature over time. The good news is that Benanti did a fantastic job with their Rossos in 2022. They display elegance and refinement mixed with a solid core of ripe fruit. The Calderara Sottana is a serious head-turner. Moreover, the Biancos from 2022 don’t slouch, and the 2019 Etna Bianco Superiore Pietra Marina is nothing short of spellbinding. Last but not least, I’d be remiss not to mention the varietal Nerello Cappuccio, which is a pleasure to taste vintage after vintage.

94 points Wine Advocate
Drinking window: 2024 - 2035
This is a relatively new addition to the Benanti portfolio. The 2022 Etna Rosso Contrada Calderara Sottana shows dried fruit and blackcurrant with pressed rose and crushed volcanic rock. Fruit comes from one hectare on the north side of Etna at 685 meters in elevation with a good amount of organic matter in the soils. There is a hint of strawberry-like ripeness on the close, but otherwise, the wine remains impressively tight, polished and streamlined in texture. Exactly 5,232 bottles were made.
Benanti has acquired an additional four hectares of vines in the Contrada Cavaliere and another six hectares in the Contrada Monaci near Viagrande. Published: Apr 17, 2025 - Reviewed by: Monica Larner