Vinicola Benanti Benanti Contrada Monte Serra 2021 750ml

Aromas of fresh plums, peaches and nectarines with some lemon blossom. Some caramel. It’s full-bodied yet stealth with wonderfully fine textured tannins that spread openly across the palate. Oranges at the end with some candied lemons. Drink or hold.

On the nose, aromas of strawberry and cherry emerge first but are soon followed by savory notes of herbs, spices, soil and stone. The savory elements bloom on the palate, which is built on a foundation of salted, meaty flavors, but a citrus overtone emphasizes the fruit of the nose, while acid escalates through the finish.

Showing a floral and slightly more fragrant side to Nerello Mascalese, the Benanti 2021 Etna Rosso Contrada Monte Serra (with fruit from the Viagrande side of the volcano) is packed tight with red berries and little background details that recall volcanic stone, mountain herb and dried lavender. The wine is straight and linear over the palate with very fine and dusty tannins. However, this wine feels more open and ready to me compared to the Contrada Cavaliere.

A lightly chewy, medium-bodied red, with sun-dried cherry, rich loamy earth, grilled herb and mocha notes that are finely meshed with silky tannins. Echoes tar and spice accents on the finish. Drink now through 2031. 436 cases made, 177 cases imported.