Wine of the Day: Benanti Bianco di Caselle Etna, Sicily 2013 6-13-16

 

Benanti Bianco di Caselle Etna 2013 750ML ($19.95) Buy Now: $16 special

Imagine yourself wandering along the planted slopes of Mt. Etna on a balmy day, picking ripe apples and golden grapes, smelling the perfume of flowers and hints of the volcano’s mineral nature, when a relieving breeze drifts in from the Mediterranean… With each sip of this round, approachable white, my mind and senses traveled back to Sicily. Made entirely of Carricante, a variety native to Etna, this wine captures the east-facing warmth of a summer morning, the high-altitude (3,000’) crispness of the vineyard, and the energy of active Mt. Etna. Benanti has been making wines here for over 100 years, and this bianco expresses that tradition and the great mountain itself. Delicious to drink now.  – Daniel

James Suckling 92 points: “An Etna white with sliced-pear, apple and chalk aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, round and rich with dried pineapple and hints of minerals. Firm structure and freshness. Beautiful pure carricante. Drink now.”