Benanti Contrada Dafara Galluzzo Etna Rosso 2021 DOC
(Sicily, Italy) - [VM 94] [WE 94] [JS 93] [WA 92] [WS 91] [DM 90]

About the Winery:

Winemaking in the Benanti family can be traced back to the late 1800s in Viagrande. This deep-rooted passion for wine is what led Giuseppe Benanti to establish the namesake winery in 1988.

THE WINE:

Vineyards Contrada Dafara Galluzzo, on the North slope of Mount Etna, within the territory of Rovittello, Castiglione di Sicilia (CT). This contrada is historically extremely suited to grow Nerello Mascalese. Elevation: 750 m a.s.l. / 2,500 ft a.s.

Vineyard Profile

Appellation: Etna D.O.C. Rosso

Location: Sicily

Cultivation: Sustainable

Vine Age: Mostly young, head-trained, short-pruned bush vines (“alberello”) grown on small terraces with dry lava-stone walls

Soil: Sandy, volcanic, rich in minerals, with sub-acid reaction (pH 6.2)

Density: 8,000 vinestocks per hectare

Vintage Report

In spring, the rain increased powdery mildew. However, our traditional vineyard cultivation methods kept the bunches intact. The hot and dry summer led to water stress, resulting in the development of sugars and extractive substances in our native vines. The autumn rain did not damage the bunches or their ripening. The precise green pruning and leaf removal kept the bunches healthy without the need for additional treatments. Our 2021 harvest started in September and ended in mid-October. The volcanic activity enriched the soil in Contrada Rinazzo.

Vinification

Grapes are hand-picked during the 4th week of October, de-stemmed, and softly pressed. Fermentation occurs at a controlled temperature in stainless steel vats, with a c. 21-day long maceration, using a specific indigenous yeast selected in the vineyard by Benanti. The maturation then continues in used tonneaux of French oak for about 12 months and then in stainless steel tanks.

Aging: 12 months in French oak, then in stainless-steel tanks. 10 months in the bottle.

Varietal Composition: Nerello Mascalese

Alcohol: 14.5%

Tasting Notes

Pale, ruby red in color. Ethereal, spicy fragrance, with scents of red fruit. Dry, medium-to-full-bodied, distinctively tannic, balanced and persistent.

Ratings & Reviews:

94 Points - Vinous Media:
“The 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Dafara Galluzzo is exotic and floral, with a burst of ashen stone and dusty rose giving way to dried black cherries. Silky and soothing, it flows across the palate with a pure blend of red and blue fruits propelled by juicy acidity. This finishes structured and long yet perfumed, leaving violet and lavender tones to fade over a bed of fine-grained tannins. The Dafara Galluzzo is a real charmer” (September 2023)

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"The nose is demurely sweet, with dried cherries and both fresh and preserved oranges drawing strength from hints of vanilla and baking spices, while herbs and soil provide a savory balance. The mix of cherries, oranges and baking spices continues on the palate, like a warm scone, before an acidic, salt-and-pepper finish." - Danielle Callegari (December 2023)

93 Points - James Suckling:
“Aromatic and bright with sliced orange peel and watermelon with some cherry, too. Medium body, with firm and medium-velvety tannins that are long and caressing.” (Aug 2023)

92 Points - Wine Advocate:
"Here's a submission from Benanti that comes from a rather unknown contrada. The 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Dafara Galluzzo is located in Castiglione di Sicilia on the north side of the volcano. The wine shows a medium-light appearance with savory volcanic notes of ash and campfire surrounded by delicate fruit, tart cherry and cassis. The wine has fine tannins with dusty sensations that come from the volcanic environment. Ultimately, the finish is dusty and drying to the palate. This gives the wine an accessible personality." Drink 2023-2028. - Monica Larner (June 2023)

91 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Round and creamy, this medium-bodied red has a rich note of fresh loamy earth underscoring flavors of baked cherry, mocha, dried thyme, smoke and spices. Lightly chewy on the juicy finish. Drink now through 2029." - Alison Napjus (February 2024)

90 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Located in Rovittello on the north side of the volcano at 750m, this contrada wine is sourced from fairly young vines grown on terraces, vinified in stainless steel using indigenous yeasts and matured in French oak barriques for 12 months followed by time in steel and bottle. It's quite closed at present, with some cherry and spice notes not giving much away. In the mouth it's chewy and intense, yet vibrant and surprisingly light on its feet. Sour cherry mingles with wood, chocolate and earth, then a lingering spicy finish." Drink 2025-2042. - James Button (May 2023)