The 2009 Nerello Mascalese Il Monovitigno is laced with flint and shaved lead pencil with tight aromas of dried fruit and black currant. The wine is exceptionally focused and tight with a sharp, forthcoming delivery. This is one of the best expressions of the grape available today. Fruit is sourced from three vineyard sites at various points of the Etna volcanic cone that range from 450 to 800 meters above sea level. Uncork this wine two or three hours before serving. Drink 2015-2022. Benanti has led efforts to raise Etna to the winemaking heights it enjoys today. Back when the notion of Contrade (Etna subzones) was a hazily defined fledgling idea, the Benanti family was carefully experimenting with indigenous grapes planted at various altitudes and locations on the massive cone of the volcano. The modern success of Etna wine is unquestionably linked to the hard work and innovation underway at Benanti. Importers: Cream Wine Company, www.creamwine.com; Wine Warehouse, www.winewarehouse.com; Tavolo Vigneto, www.tavolovigneto.com; Tradizione Imports, www.tradizioneimports.com; Zancanella Importing Co., www.zancanellaimporting.com; www.Lyrawine.com