Benanti Terre Siciliane 2019 750ml
Description
The 2019 vintage of Benanti’s Terre Siciliane showcases the exceptional quality possible when Etna’s volcanic terroir meets ideal growing conditions. This carefully crafted blend from various sites across Mount Etna’s slopes has had additional time to develop complexity while maintaining the fresh, mineral-driven character that makes these volcanic wines so distinctive.
With a few years of bottle age, the 2019 has evolved beautifully, showing both primary and secondary characteristics. The wine opens with a complex bouquet where fresh red fruit notes of cherry and strawberry are now joined by hints of leather, dried herbs, and sweet spices. The volcanic terroir expresses itself through pronounced mineral notes – iron, ash, and wet stone – while Mediterranean influences add hints of dried fennel, orange peel, and sea salt.
On the palate, the 2019 vintage displays excellent evolution and balance. The texture has gained complexity, with tannins that have softened to a silky smoothness while maintaining structure. Flavors of red cherry, pomegranate, and blood orange are enhanced by savory notes of sun-dried tomato, olive tapenade, and herbs. The wine’s bright acidity remains vibrant, providing freshness and ensuring continued development. The volcanic minerality is even more pronounced with age, creating a savory, almost salty character that adds complexity and extends the finish.
What distinguishes the 2019 vintage is how it demonstrates the aging potential of even Benanti’s entry-level wines. The exceptional growing conditions of 2019, combined with fruit from various Etna sites, has created a wine with more concentration and complexity than typical for this bottling. The additional bottle age has allowed these elements to integrate beautifully, resulting in a wine that punches well above its weight class.
This evolved wine shows increased versatility with food. Its developed character makes it ideal for richer preparations – grilled lamb chops with herbs, roasted eggplant with tomatoes, or pasta with meat ragu. The wine’s complexity also allows it to pair beautifully with aged cheeses or charcuterie. For Sicilian pairings, try with involtini di pesce spada (swordfish rolls) or pasta with wild boar sauce. The wine’s savory notes make it particularly good with umami-rich dishes like mushroom risotto or anything featuring sun-dried tomatoes. Serve at cellar temperature to appreciate its evolved complexity.
- Producer
- Benanti
