I’m always a bit wary buying from Alko. They have much decent stuff at high prices but very few truly great wines even at high prices. But one working there whom I trust told me I must try the Benantis. With the lovely COS – also from Sicily – having been my previous wine, I thought I’d stay on that island for this weekend, too.
Benanti Nerello Mascalese 2013 – Etna Rosso DOC; 13,5% abv; c.30€
A very pale red. Very pretty red berry aromas in a crunchy cool climate kind of way – I guess the elevation keeps things fresh. The palate is crunchy and savoury, too, with wonderfully refreshing acidity and tannin whereas the fruit department, though fully ripe, is nicely not the thing one first notices. Very attractive, relatively light style of wine. A bit pricey, however.
Benanti Etna Bianco 2014 – Etna Bianco DOC; 12,5% abv; 100% Carricante; c.26€
Pale gold. Very expressive aromatics: honey, citrus something a bit bitter – reminds me a bit of Musar Blanc so of course I become a huge fan of this even before I taste it. Quite rich and fruity – like biting into a ripe peach but with cleansing acidity on the finish. Yummy.