The first time Eric Asimov included an Etna wine in one of his New York Times seasonal round-ups, way back in 2012, it was Benanti's entry-level Rosso. He  described it as "fresh and lightly textured yet rich and persistent, rough and rustic yet charming and expressive." Just a few months later, he described Benanti's entry-level white as "simply delicious: dry, savory and lip-smacking."

Back then, Mount Etna's wines weren't yet well known, and Asimov couldn't have picked a better producer to represent the volcanic terroir's charms. So much has changed since then, but one thing hasn't: Benanti still makes gorgeous, honest wines that convey exactly what is so special about Etna.
 
The Benanti family had been on the island for nearly 300 years when Giuseppe Benanti decided to devote himself to Sicily's traditional wines. He believed that, with enough care and attention to detail, they could be elevated to the great wines of Italy. He systematically studied the land, the varieties, and even the indigenous yeasts (in what was then a groundbreaking undertaking). He hired some of the greatest wine talent in the world, including the now-legendary Salvo Foti, and added to his family's holdings.

Etna was different back then. It wasn't full of ambitious growers working in a range of styles to express micro-terroirs: Benanti and Foti were trying something new. And bit by bit the region and its wines started to find a following, which grew and grew until finally it became what it is today: one of the most heralded Italian wine regions. It's a dynamic region today with many exciting producers.
 
Benanti remains one of the greats, making not just age-worthy single-site collectibles, but two of the best entry level expressions of Etna's unique pleasures. We're thrilled to have the new vintages in the shop and to be able to share them with you at special discounts today. Email now to take advantage!

Benanti, Etna Rosso, 2023 $32.99
Concentrated Nerello Mascalese tempered by lithe Nerello Cappuccio. Fermented using indigenous yeast, and aged in mostly stainless steel, although a small portion is aged in used oak. Bright, ripe cherries, green and black herbs, black tea and a hint of forest floor and volcanic undertones.

Benanti, Etna Bianco, 2024 $34.99
100% Carricante grown on sandy, mineral-rich volcanic soils at elevations ranging from 2300' to 3100' above sea level. It's succulent and lightly floral with flavors of green and yellow apple, charred lemon, and fresh sea breeze.