The 2006 Bianco di Caselle is made from Carricante grown at 900 meters above sea level and aged in stainless steel. It presents a beguiling mix of richly-textured fruit, minerals, smoke and roasted nuts on a focused, medium-bodied frame. A pretty note of sweetness lingers on the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2010.
Benanti is making some of the most compelling wines coming out of Sicily’s re-discovered Mount Etna appellation. These dramatic, old vines are grown on the slopes of the volcano and offer plenty of site-specific character. Most of the wines are made from indigenous varieties although international grapes are used in a few of the reds. I can’t add much more, except to urge readers to discover the extraordinary wines of Benanti.
Importer: JA-AR Imports, Ltd., Stellar Cellars, East Brunswick, NJ; tel. (732) 762-9524